About this role
CDL-A Railroad Rerail Operator
Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Pay: Starting at $26.00/hour, higher depending on experience
Benefits: Full benefits package
Position Overview
We are hiring a CDL-A Railroad Rerail Operator to support emergency railroad response and field operations. This hands-on role combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, and physical field work during rerailing and railroad maintenance projects.
Driving is only one part of the position. Operators should be comfortable working with construction equipment, assisting with rigging and field operations, and responding to emergency calls on a 24/7 basis.
What You'll Do
- Perform pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT regulations and company procedures.
- Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites, including overweight and oversize loads.
- Inspect loads and verify required transportation permits.
- Participate in daily job planning and safety meetings before work begins.
- Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for rerailing, load transfer, and track maintenance or construction .
- Assist with the setup, inspection, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.
- Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches during rerailing operations.
- Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid steers .
- Assist with specialty lifting, rerailing, grading, load transfers, and railroad track work.
- Use hydraulic tools, welding and cutting equipment, electrical tools, and common hand tools .
- Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe and reliable operation.
- Perform basic equipment and vehicle service and report major mechanical issues for repair.
- Assist with breaking down, loading, and securing cranes and equipment after assignments.
- Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, supplies, and components.
- Sort scrap materials and maintain clean, organized work areas and vehicles.
- Perform additional field or departmental duties as needed.
- Follow all required safety procedures and maintain a professional standard of workmanship.
Requirements
- Class A CDL with a good driving record.
- Previous construction, heavy labor, or similar hands-on work experience.
- Ability to safely perform physically demanding work.
- Willingness to complete required training, qualification, and safety programs.
- 24/7 availability for emergency calls, including weekends and holidays.
- Ability to work extended hours and respond to emergency railroad situations.
Preferred Experience
- 3+ years of heavy equipment operation , including experience with:
Backhoes
- Bulldozers
- Excavators
- Front-end loaders
- Grapple trucks
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractors
- Skid-steer loaders
- Railroad, rerailing, track maintenance, or related construction experience is a plus.
Compensation & Schedule
- 40 hours guaranteed each week.
- Typical schedules average 60+ hours/week , with opportunities for significant overtime.
- Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half .
- Per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay may be available.
- 24/7 on-call emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screen
- Background check
Interview: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots.