CDL-A Track Equipment Operator – Railroad Construction

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 & 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.