CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator

CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator

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

About the Position

We are seeking a CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator to assist with railroad recovery, heavy equipment operations, and related field assignments in the Richmond, VA area. This position combines commercial vehicle operation with hands-on work involving machinery, materials, and specialized railroad recovery equipment.

Driving makes up approximately 10% of the role. Most responsibilities involve equipment operation, material handling, routine maintenance, and assisting with rerailing and other railroad-related activities. Employees must be prepared to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Inspect trucks, trailers, and equipment before and after use, following company procedures and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

• Transport machinery and materials to and from job sites using tractor-trailers.

• Check transported loads and confirm permits and requirements for oversized or overweight equipment.

• Participate in daily work planning and safety meetings before beginning assignments.

• Position, stage, load, and unload equipment and materials for rerailing, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and railroad construction.

• Help assemble, inspect, set up, and operate cranes and other machinery.

• Assist with rigging operations, including connecting chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery.

• Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, grapple trucks, dump trucks, front-end loaders, tractors, skid-steer loaders, and rail-bound equipment.

• Support specialty lifting, railcar rerailing, load transfers, grading, track repairs, and new track construction.

• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools as required.

• Monitor vehicles and machinery to maintain readiness and minimize downtime.

• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing; report more complex mechanical problems to the Shop Manager or Foreman.

• Help dismantle, secure, and load cranes and other equipment after completing assignments.

• Restock vehicles and machinery with necessary parts, components, and supplies upon returning to the home base.

• Sort scrap materials and keep tools, equipment, vehicles, and work areas clean and organized.

• Assist other departments when needed to support operational requirements.

• Follow established safety procedures and maintain awareness of coworkers and surrounding hazards during equipment operation.

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 hands-on fieldwork and assist with equipment and material handling.

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

• Availability for emergency response on a 24/7 on-call basis, including weekends and holidays.

• Commitment to safe work practices, equipment care, and maintaining a professional work environment.

Preferred Experience

At least three years of heavy equipment operating experience is preferred, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Relevant equipment experience includes:

• Backhoes and bulldozers

• Excavators and front-end loaders

• Grapple trucks

• Rail-bound equipment

• Tractors and skid-steer loaders

Schedule and Pay Details

• Guaranteed minimum of 40 hours per week.

• Typical workweeks exceed 60 hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours depending on operational needs.

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

• Per diem, hotel pay for work-related travel, and layover pay are available when applicable.

• The schedule may change based on emergency calls and field assignments.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Pre-employment drug screening.

• Background check.

• Completion of required training and qualification assessments.

Interview Requirement

Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.

Why Consider This Role?

Join a specialized field operations team where CDL-A driving and heavy equipment skills support time-sensitive railroad recovery work. This direct-hire opportunity offers guaranteed weekly hours, overtime opportunities, travel-related compensation when applicable, and a full benefits package.