Railroad CDL Operator – Richmond, VA
Railroad CDL-A Equipment Specialist Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Location: Regional Field Operations Starting Pay: $26/hour — higher pay available based on experience Benefits: Full benefits package Position Overview Seeking a CDL-A driver with heavy equipment experience to support railroad field operations and emergency derailment response. This role combines commercial vehicle operation, heavy equipment use, material handling, and hands-on railroad construction work. Employees may assist with re-railing, railroad car repairs, load transfers, track maintenance, track construction, grading, and specialty lifting while maintaining a strong focus on safety and equipment readiness.
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 at time 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 available 24/7 , 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