CDL-A Track Equipment Operator – Railroad Construction

CDL-A Track Equipment Operator
Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Starting Rate: $26.00/hour (higher depending on experience)
Benefits: Full benefits package
Position Overview
We are seeking a CDL-A Track Equipment Operator to support railroad construction, maintenance, and emergency response work. This is a hands-on position combining commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, and physical labor.
The role is primarily field-based and requires employees to respond to emergency railroad situations as needed. Applicants must be comfortable working long hours, traveling when required, and being available around the clock.

Schedule & Compensation

- 40 hours guaranteed per week.

- Significant overtime; workweeks average 60+ hours and may reach 70.

- Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., are paid at time-and-a-half.

- On-call availability required 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

- Per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.

Responsibilities

- Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations.

- Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites; inspect loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight loads.

- Attend daily work-planning discussions and safety briefings.

- Load, unload, stage, secure, and move materials and equipment for track construction, repairs, and maintenance.

- Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, disassembly, and loading as needed.

- Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, tractors, skid steers, and rail-bound equipment when qualified.

- Assist with rigging using chains, cables, and winches.

- Perform grading, specialty lifting, equipment transfers, and other work related to railroad construction and track maintenance.

- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed.

- Monitor equipment and vehicles to maintain safe, reliable operation and minimize downtime.

- Perform and document minor equipment maintenance; report complex mechanical issues to the shop manager or foreman.

- Restock vehicles and equipment with parts and supplies, organize materials, and sort scrap into designated areas.

- Clean job sites and keep vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas organized.

- Follow all safety policies and procedures and assist other departments when needed.

- Complete safety training and preventive maintenance during downtime between field assignments.

Required Qualifications

- Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.

- Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding role.

- Ability to perform physical work and operate heavy equipment safely.

- Availability for 24/7 emergency callouts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

- Ability to complete required qualification tests and safety training.

Preferred Experience

- Three or more years of experience operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.

- Experience in railroad track work, construction, equipment maintenance, or related field operations.

- Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

- Pre-employment drug screening.

- Background check.

Interview Requirement: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.