CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery

Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed per week; typically 60+ hours, with significant overtime
Benefits: Full benefits package, per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable

Position Summary

Join a field operations team responding to railroad derailments, track projects, and equipment recovery assignments. This hands-on role combines CDL-A driving, heavy equipment operation, and physical fieldwork. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the job; most time is spent supporting on-site operations.

Employees must be available for emergency callouts 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Work may require rapid response, extended hours, and travel outside the local area.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company procedures and DOT regulations.

• Transport equipment and materials to job sites, inspect loads, and verify permits for oversized or overweight loads.

• Participate in job briefings and daily safety meetings before beginning field assignments.

• Load, unload, stage, and secure materials and equipment for railroad recovery, rerailing, load adjustment, and track work.

• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, and disassembly.

• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, skid-steers, and rail-bound equipment, as qualified.

• Assist with rerailing operations, railroad car maintenance and repair, load transfers, track maintenance, track repairs, grading, and new track construction.

• Use chains, cables, rigging equipment, winches, hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools as needed.

• Monitor equipment and vehicles to maintain safe, reliable operation and minimize downtime.

• Complete minor equipment servicing and document maintenance; report more complex mechanical issues to the shop manager or foreman.

• Clean work areas, organize tools, sort scrap materials, and restock vehicles and equipment for future assignments.

• Follow all safety policies and maintain equipment, vehicles, and work areas in good condition.

• Assist other departments as needed to support field operations.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.

• Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding role.

• Ability to operate standard construction equipment and perform hands-on fieldwork.

• Willingness to complete required qualification tests, safety training, and equipment training.

• Availability for 24/7 emergency callouts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Ability to work extended hours in a demanding field environment.

Preferred Experience

• 3 or more years operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.

• Equivalent combinations of training and practical equipment operating experience will also be considered.

Compensation and Work Requirements

• 40 hours of work guaranteed each week.

• Typical workload averages 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.

• Hours worked outside the regular Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule are paid at time-and-a-half, according to the applicable overtime policy.

• Per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay may be available when applicable.

• Full benefits package.

• During periods without emergency assignments, employees may complete safety training, preventive maintenance, and equipment checks.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Pre-employment drug screening.

• Background check.

• Steel-toed boots must be brought to the interview.