CDL-A Track Equipment Operator – Railroad Operations

CDL-A Track Equipment Operator – Railroad Operations

Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with potential for higher pay based on experience
Benefits: Full benefits package, overtime, per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay when applicable

Position Overview

We are seeking a safety-focused Class A CDL Equipment Operator/Laborer to support railroad track maintenance, construction, and recovery operations in the Richmond area. This hands-on role combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, and physical labor at field job sites.

The position involves transporting equipment and materials, assisting with track repairs and construction, preparing work areas, and operating machinery when qualified. Candidates should be comfortable working outdoors, performing physically demanding tasks, traveling as needed, and responding to emergency assignments on short notice.

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.