CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery
Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed per week; typically 60+ hours, with significant overtime
Benefits: Full benefits package, per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable
Position Summary
Join a field operations team responding to railroad derailments, track projects, and equipment recovery assignments. This hands-on role combines CDL-A driving, heavy equipment operation, and physical fieldwork. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the job; most time is spent supporting on-site operations.
Employees must be available for emergency callouts 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Work may require rapid response, extended hours, and travel outside the local area.

Responsibilities

- Inspect trucks, trailers, and equipment before and after use, following company procedures and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

- Transport machinery and materials to and from job sites using tractor-trailers.

- Check transported loads and confirm permits and requirements for oversized or overweight equipment.

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

- Position, stage, load, and unload equipment and materials for rerailing, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and railroad construction.

- Help assemble, inspect, set up, and operate cranes and other machinery.

- Assist with rigging operations, including connecting chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery.

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

- Support specialty lifting, railcar rerailing, load transfers, grading, track repairs, and new track construction.

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

- Monitor vehicles and machinery to maintain readiness and minimize downtime.

- Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing; report more complex mechanical problems to the Shop Manager or Foreman.

- Help dismantle, secure, and load cranes and other equipment after completing assignments.

- Restock vehicles and machinery with necessary parts, components, and supplies upon returning to the home base.

- Sort scrap materials and keep tools, equipment, vehicles, and work areas clean and organized.

- Assist other departments when needed to support operational requirements.

- Follow established safety procedures and maintain awareness of coworkers and surrounding hazards during equipment operation.

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 hands-on fieldwork and assist with equipment and material handling.

- Willingness to complete required training, safety programs, and qualification tests.

- Availability for emergency response on a 24/7 on-call basis, including weekends and holidays.

- Commitment to safe work practices, equipment care, and maintaining a professional work environment.

Preferred Experience

At least three years of heavy equipment operating experience is preferred, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Relevant equipment experience includes:

- Backhoes and bulldozers

- Excavators and front-end loaders

- Grapple trucks

- Rail-bound equipment

- Tractors and skid-steer loaders

Schedule and Pay Details

- Guaranteed minimum of 40 hours per week.

- Typical workweeks exceed 60 hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours depending on operational needs.

- Hours outside the regular Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule are paid at time and a half, subject to the applicable overtime policy.

- Per diem, hotel pay for work-related travel, and layover pay are available when applicable.

- The schedule may change based on emergency calls and field assignments.

Pre-Employment Requirements

- Pre-employment drug screening.

- Background check.

- Completion of required training and qualification assessments.

Interview Requirement

Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.