Railroad CDL Operator – Richmond, VA

Railroad CDL Operator – Richmond, VA

Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Location: Richmond, VA
Starting Pay: $26/hour — higher depending on experience
Benefits: Full benefits package

Position Summary

We are looking for aClass A CDL operator to support railroad field operations throughout the region. This position combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, and hands-on railroad construction support.

The work may include emergency derailment response, rerailing, railroad car maintenance and repair, load adjustment or transfer, track repair, maintenance, and new track construction.

Schedule & Pay

• • 40 hours guaranteed each week
  • Average of 60+ hours per week, including overtime
  • 24/7 on-call responsibility for emergency response
  • Regular hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
  • Hours outside the regular schedule are paid attime and a half
  • Per diem for qualifying assignments
  • Hotel pay for travel
  • Layover pay when applicable

What You'll Do

Driving & Transportation

• • Perform DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment.
  • Drive tractor-trailers between the home base and job sites.
  • Inspect transported machinery, materials, and loads before and during travel.
  • Confirm transportation permits and verify requirements for overweight and oversized loads.
  • Safely load, secure, transport, unload, and stage equipment and materials.

  Railroad & Field Operations

  • • Participate in daily work planning and safety meetings before field activities begin.
    • Support rerailing and derailment recovery operations.
    • Assist with railroad car maintenance and repair.
    • Support load adjustment and transfer work.
    • Assist with track maintenance, repairs, grading, and new track construction.
    • Prepare equipment and materials for each assignment and help clean and secure the work site when work is completed.
    • Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, and operation.
    • Help rig equipment using chains, cables, and winches during derailment and rerailing work.
    • Operate equipment safely while remaining aware of coworkers, vehicles, and surrounding conditions.

    Heavy Equipment & Tools

    Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including:

    • • Cranes
      • Backhoes
      • Grapple trucks
      • Dump trucks
      • Excavators
      • Bulldozers
      • Front-end loaders
      • Rail-bound equipment
      • Tractors
      • Skid-steer loaders

      Use a variety of tools and equipment, including:

      • • Hydraulic tools
        • Welding equipment
        • Cutting torches
        • Electrical tools
        • Common hand tools

        Equipment Maintenance & Jobsite Support

        • • Monitor trucks, vehicles, and equipment to help prevent downtime and maintain readiness.
          • Perform and document minor vehicle and equipment service.
          • Report more complex mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
          • Assist with equipment and crane disassembly and loading after assignments.
          • Return vehicles and equipment to the home base properly stocked with required parts, components, and supplies.
          • Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.
          • Keep vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas clean, organized, and free of debris.
          • Maintain equipment and work areas to established quality and workmanship standards.
          • Assist other departments or divisions when needed to meet operational requirements.
          • Follow all applicable safety policies, procedures, and regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Good driving record
• Experience performing construction labor or similar physically demanding work
• Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs
• Must be available24/7, including weekends and holidays, for emergency service calls
• Ability to work safely in physically demanding field environments

Preferred Experience

3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including one or more of the following:

• • Backhoe
  • Bulldozer
  • Excavator
  • Front-end loader
  • Grapple truck
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractor
  • Skid-steer loader

  An equivalent combination of training and experience may also be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check