CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator – Richmond, VA

CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator – Richmond, VA

Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26/hour — higher depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed; average 60+ hours/week with overtime
On-Call: 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays

Position Summary

Seeking a Class A CDL operator to support railroad recovery and maintenance operations. This is a hands-on position involving equipment transportation, rerailing, material handling, railroad car work, and track-related activities.

Driving is only one part of the job. Operators must be comfortable working with heavy equipment, performing physical labor, and responding to emergency derailment calls.

Responsibilities

• Complete DOT-compliant pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and verify loads, permits, and transportation requirements.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for rerailing, load transfer, and track work.
• Assist with crane setup, rigging, chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery.
• Operate equipment such ascranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid steers.
• Support rerailing, railroad car maintenance/repair, track maintenance, track repair, new track construction, grading, and related activities.
• Usehydraulic tools, welding and cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe and reliable operation.
• Perform minor equipment and vehicle servicing and report major mechanical issues for repair.
• Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, transportation, and job-site cleanup.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, supplies, and components.
• Maintain organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.
• Follow all safety procedures and participate in daily safety briefings and required training.
• Assist other departments or work areas as needed.

Requirements

• ValidClass A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction, equipment operation, or physically demanding labor.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and work around large machinery.
• Ability to complete required qualification, safety, and training programs.
• Must be available for24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work extended hours and significant overtime when required.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years operating heavy equipment, including:
  • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Excavators
  • Front-end loaders
  • Grapple trucks
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractors
  • Skid-steer loaders
  • Equivalent combination of training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Additional Compensation

• Overtime at 1.5x for eligible hours outside the regular schedule.
• Per diem for qualifying travel.
• Hotel accommodations/pay for qualifying travel.
• Layover pay when applicable.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check