CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator

CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator

Location: Richmond, VA
Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay based on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly; typically 60+ hours per week, with significant overtime
Benefits: Full benefits package, per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable

About the Position

We are seeking a CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator to assist with railroad recovery, heavy equipment operations, and related field assignments in the Richmond, VA area. This position combines commercial vehicle operation with hands-on work involving machinery, materials, and specialized railroad recovery equipment.

Driving makes up approximately 10% of the role. Most responsibilities involve equipment operation, material handling, routine maintenance, and assisting with rerailing and other railroad-related activities. Employees must be prepared to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

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.

Why Consider This Role?

Join a specialized field operations team where CDL-A driving and heavy equipment skills support time-sensitive railroad recovery work. This direct-hire opportunity offers guaranteed weekly hours, overtime opportunities, travel-related compensation when applicable, and a full benefits package.