CDL-A Track Equipment Operator – Railroad Operations

Your tasks

• 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.

Requirements

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.

What we offer

• 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.

Other

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.

Interview Preparation Please bring steel-toed boots to the interview.