AI summary
The role involves operating heavy equipment and performing various duties related to railroad recovery and construction, including driving, equipment operation, and maintenance.
Job Description
CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Field Operations
Job Type: Full-Time Hire with Benefits
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly; significant overtime, with an average of 60+ combined regular and overtime hours per week
Availability: 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays
Pay: Starting at $26/hour; higher starting rates may be available based on experience. Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half. Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.
Position Summary
We are seeking a Class A CDL Heavy Equipment Operator for regional field work supporting railroad recovery and construction activities. The role combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, and hands-on field support.
Responsibilities may include railroad rerailing, railcar maintenance and repair, load adjustment or transfer, track maintenance, track repair, grading, and new construction.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
- Complete DOT-compliant pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
- Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and safely transport equipment and materials.
- Inspect transported loads and verify permits for overweight and oversized equipment.
- Participate in daily job planning and required safety briefings.
- Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for field operations.
- Support rerailing operations, railcar maintenance/repair, load adjustment and transfer, and track maintenance, repair, and new construction.
- Assist with the setup, inspection, assembly, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.
- Assist with rigging and connecting chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery work.
- Operate equipment when qualified, including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.
- Perform work associated with specialty lifting, rerailing, load transfers, grading, and railroad construction.
- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
- Monitor vehicles and equipment for operating issues and help maintain readiness.
- Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service; report more complex mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
- Assist with equipment disassembly and loading when assignments are complete.
- Reload equipment and materials and help restore the job site to an orderly condition.
- Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, components, and supplies after returning to the home base.
- Sort and properly place scrap materials.
- Keep vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas clean, organized, and free of debris.
- Follow all applicable safety policies, procedures, and operating requirements.
- Provide support to other departments or divisions as needed.
Preferred Experience
- 3+ years of heavy equipment operation, including experience with:
- Backhoes
- Bulldozers
- Excavators
- Front-end loaders
- Grapple trucks
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractors
- Skid-steer loaders
- Equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.
Requirements
Requirements
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a good driving record.
- Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding field role.
- Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs.
- Ability to remain available 24/7 for emergency service calls, including weekends and holidays.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
About the job
- Posted on
- Sep 1, 2026
- Job type
- Full-time
- Location
- Richmond, VAOn-site
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