CDL-A Track Equipment Operator – Railroad Operations

CDL-A Track Equipment Operator – Railroad Construction
Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, higher depending on experience
Benefits: Full benefits package, overtime, per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable
Job Overview
We are seeking CDL-A operators to support railroad track construction, maintenance, and emergency recovery operations. This hands-on field role combines heavy equipment operation, material transportation, and physical labor. Duties may include track repairs, new track construction, grading, equipment staging, and assisting with railroad recovery work.
Driving is a smaller part of the job; operators spend much of their time working on-site and operating equipment. Candidates must be comfortable with physical work, regional travel, long hours, and emergency callouts at any time.

Schedule and Compensation

- Guaranteed 40 hours per week.

- Overtime opportunities, with combined regular and overtime hours averaging 60 or more per week; some weeks may reach approximately 70 hours.

- On-call availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.

- Time-and-a-half overtime pay for hours worked outside the regular Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. schedule, as applicable.

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

- Full benefits package.

Key Responsibilities

- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company procedures and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

- Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and inspect transported loads and machinery.

- Verify permits and transportation requirements for oversized or overweight loads and equipment.

- Participate in daily work-planning discussions and safety briefings before beginning assignments.

- Load, unload, move, and stage materials and equipment for track maintenance, repairs, new construction, rerailing, and load adjustment or transfer operations.

- Help prepare work sites and secure equipment and materials for transportation when assignments are complete.

- Assist with the assembly, inspection, setup, and operation of cranes and other equipment when qualified.

- Support rigging activities by connecting chains, cables, winches, and related equipment as needed.

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

- Perform track-related work, grading, specialty lifting, load transfers, and other tasks supporting railroad construction and maintenance.

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

- Monitor vehicles and equipment to reduce downtime and maintain operational readiness.

- Complete and document minor equipment and vehicle maintenance, referring complex mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.

- Assist with dismantling, loading, and securing cranes and other equipment at the end of an assignment.

- Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, components, and supplies after returning to the home base.

- Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.

- Maintain clean, organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.

- Follow all safety policies and operating procedures while remaining aware of coworkers and surrounding conditions.

- Support other departments or work groups when needed to meet operational demands.

Required Qualifications

- Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A).

- Good driving record.

- Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding position.

- Ability to perform manual labor and work with equipment and materials in field conditions.

- Willingness to remain on call for emergency assignments, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

- Ability to complete required qualification tests and participate in safety training programs.

- Commitment to workplace safety and following established procedures.

Preferred Skills and Experience

- Three or more years of heavy equipment operating experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

- Experience operating backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.

- Familiarity with track maintenance, railroad construction, equipment inspections, rigging, or preventive maintenance is an advantage.

Pre-Employment Requirements

- Pre-employment drug screening.

- Background check.

Interview Preparation

Please bring steel-toed boots to the interview.