CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Field Operations

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Richmond, VA Job Type: Direct Hire Starting Pay: From $26.00/hour(Higher compensation available based on experience.) Position

Overview

We are seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to transport, operate, and maintain heavy equipment supporting railroad maintenance, emergency response, rerailing operations, load transfers, and track construction. This position combines CDL driving, equipment operation, and hands-on labor in a fast-paced field environment. CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Richmond, VA Job Type: Direct Hire Starting Pay: From $26.00/hour(Higher compensation available based on experience.) Position

Overview

We are seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to transport, operate, and maintain heavy equipment supporting railroad maintenance, emergency response, rerailing operations, load transfers, and track construction. This position combines CDL driving, equipment operation, and hands-on labor in a fast-paced field environment.

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.

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. 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.