Archived listing. The details below describe a past opening.
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. Schedule & Compensation
• 40 hours guaranteed per week.
• Significant overtime; workweeks average 60+ hours and may reach 70.
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., are paid at time-and-a-half.
• On-call availability required 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
• Per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.
Responsibilities
• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations.
• Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites; inspect loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight loads.
• Attend daily work-planning discussions and safety briefings.
• Load, unload, stage, secure, and move materials and equipment for track construction, repairs, and maintenance.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, disassembly, and loading as needed.
• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, tractors, skid steers, and rail-bound equipment when qualified.
• Assist with rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
• Perform grading, specialty lifting, equipment transfers, and other work related to railroad construction and track maintenance.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed.
• Monitor equipment and vehicles to maintain safe, reliable operation and minimize downtime.
• Perform and document minor equipment maintenance; report complex mechanical issues to the shop manager or foreman.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with parts and supplies, organize materials, and sort scrap into designated areas.
• Clean job sites and keep vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas organized.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures and assist other departments when needed.
• Complete safety training and preventive maintenance during downtime between field assignments.
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 perform physical work and operate heavy equipment safely.
• Availability for 24/7 emergency callouts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to complete required qualification tests and safety training.
Preferred Experience
• Three or more years of experience operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
• Experience in railroad track work, construction, equipment maintenance, or related field operations.
• Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.
Pre-Employment Requirements
• Pre-employment drug screening.
• Background check.
Interview Requirement: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.