About this role
CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator – Richmond, VA
Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26/hour — higher depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed; average 60+ hours/week with overtime
On-Call: 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays
Position Summary
Seeking a Class A CDL operator to support railroad recovery and maintenance operations. This is a hands-on position involving equipment transportation, rerailing, material handling, railroad car work, and track-related activities.
Driving is only one part of the job. Operators must be comfortable working with heavy equipment, performing physical labor, and responding to emergency derailment calls.
Schedule & Compensation
- 40 hours guaranteed per week
- Average of 60+ hours per week , with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours
- 24/7 on-call emergency response, including weekends and holidays
- Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half
- Per diem available
- Hotel accommodations/pay provided for travel
- Layover pay when applicable
What You'll Do
- Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT requirements and company procedures.
- Drive tractor-trailers to and from work sites and inspect transported loads and equipment.
- Verify permits and transportation requirements for overweight and oversize loads.
- Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings before field operations.
- Load, unload, stage, position, and secure equipment and materials.
- Assist with railroad rerailing, load adjustment/transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and new construction .
- Assist with the assembly, inspection, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.
- Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches during derailment response.
- Operate equipment such as:
Cranes
- Backhoes
- Grapple trucks
- Dump trucks
- Excavators
- Bulldozers
- Front-end loaders
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractors
- Skid-steer loaders
- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools .
- Monitor vehicles and equipment to help maintain operational readiness.
- Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service; report more complex mechanical issues for repair.
- Assist with disassembling and loading cranes and other equipment after completing assignments.
- Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, components, and supplies when returning to the home location.
- Sort and dispose of scrap materials in designated areas.
- Participate in site cleanup and maintain organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.
- Follow all required safety procedures and maintain professional workmanship.
- Assist other departments or teams when needed to support operational requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) .
- Good driving record.
- Experience in construction, field labor, or another physically demanding work environment.
- Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
- Willingness and ability to respond to emergency calls 24/7 , including weekends and holidays.
- Ability to safely work around heavy equipment, railroad operations, and changing field conditions.
Preferred Experience
- 3+ years operating heavy equipment , including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
- Equivalent combination of training and hands-on equipment experience may be considered.
Physical & Work Environment
This is an active field position involving physical labor, heavy equipment, railroad work, and changing outdoor conditions. The role requires the ability to work extended hours, assist with equipment and material handling, and remain ready for emergency response operations.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screening
- Background check
Interview Requirement: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.