About this role
Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Track Maintenance
Road & Rail Services
Home Base: Frankfort, KY
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Job Type: Full-Time
Travel Requirement: 100% Nationwide Travel
CDL: Preferred, but not required
Put Your Railroad Equipment Experience to Work
Road & Rail Services is hiring an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our traveling railroad track maintenance team. This position is based out of Frankfort, Kentucky , with projects located throughout the United States.
This is a 100% travel position. Employees will travel continuously between project locations and may remain away from home for extended assignments. Candidates looking for a local or home-daily equipment operator position should carefully consider the travel requirements before applying.
We're looking for someone with experience operating heavy equipment in railroad track maintenance, Maintenance of Way (MOW), track construction, or a closely related environment . You'll work alongside track crews using heavy machinery to construct, maintain, repair, and improve railroad infrastructure.
What You'll Do
As a Heavy Equipment Operator, your responsibilities may include:
Operate excavators, backhoes, loaders, and other heavy construction equipment
Operate tampers, regulators, and specialized railroad equipment when trained and qualified
Support railroad track construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance projects
Assist crews with removing and installing railroad ties, rail, and track components
Perform grading, excavation, material placement, and site preparation
Support track surfacing, stabilization, and alignment activities
Move, load, unload, and stage track materials and equipment
Work safely around active railroad tracks, equipment, vehicles, and crew members
Complete equipment inspections before beginning work
Identify and report equipment defects or mechanical concerns
Recognize unsafe conditions and communicate concerns to supervision
Assist with basic equipment care and maintenance
Follow company, customer, and applicable railroad safety procedures
Follow applicable Federal Railroad Administration requirements
Maintain a clean and organized work area
Wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Experience We're Looking For
Qualified candidates should have:
Minimum two years of railroad track maintenance or Maintenance of Way experience
Previous professional experience operating heavy equipment
Experience working around railroad tracks or railroad construction activities
Ability to safely operate equipment around ground crews and other machinery
Understanding of railroad job-site hazards and safe work practices
Valid state-issued driver's license
Ability and willingness to travel nationwide 100% of the time
Ability to remain away from home for extended project assignments
Dependable attendance and punctuality
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Ability to work independently and follow instructions
Ability to perform physical work when not operating equipment
Preferred Qualifications
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) preferred, but not required
Experience operating tampers, regulators, or other Maintenance of Way equipment
Previous experience with a Class I railroad, short-line railroad, railroad contractor, or track construction company
Additional equipment certifications or railroad qualifications
Nationwide Travel & Work Environment
This position requires approximately 100% nationwide travel . Projects may take place throughout the United States, and employees must be prepared for frequent overnight stays and extended periods away from home.
Work is performed primarily outdoors around railroad tracks and heavy machinery. Employees should be prepared to work in heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, humidity, and other changing conditions .
Pay & Benefits
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Road & Rail Services offers eligible full-time employees:
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid holidays
Paid vacation
Annual steel-toe boot allowance
Company-provided PPE
Training and professional development
Opportunities for advancement
Promote-from-within culture
Veteran-friendly workplace
Take Your Equipment Skills on the Road
Established in 1987, Road & Rail Services provides railroad construction, maintenance, and operational services throughout North America.
We're looking for an experienced operator who understands that successful railroad construction requires more than knowing how to run a machine. It requires safety awareness, communication, reliability, and the ability to work as part of a traveling crew .
If you have Heavy Equipment Operator and Maintenance of Way experience and are prepared for nationwide travel, apply today to join Road & Rail Services.
CDL preferred, but not required.
Road & Rail Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.