CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator – Richmond, VA
Location: Richmond, VA Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire Starting Pay: $26/hour — higher depending on experience Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed; average 60+ hours/week with overtime On-Call: 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays
Position Summary
Seeking a Class A CDL operator to support railroad recovery and maintenance operations. This is a hands-on position involving equipment transportation, rerailing, material handling, railroad car work, and track-related activities.
Driving is only one part of the job. Operators must be comfortable working with heavy equipment, performing physical labor, and responding to emergency derailment calls.
Responsibilities
- Complete DOT-compliant pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
- Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and verify loads, permits, and transportation requirements.
- Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for rerailing, load transfer, and track work.
- Assist with crane setup, rigging, chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery.
- Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid steers.
- Support rerailing, railroad car maintenance/repair, track maintenance, track repair, new track construction, grading, and related activities.
- Use hydraulic tools, welding and cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
- Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe and reliable operation.
- Perform minor equipment and vehicle servicing and report major mechanical issues for repair.
- Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, transportation, and job-site cleanup.
- Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, supplies, and components.
- Maintain organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.
- Follow all safety procedures and participate in daily safety briefings and required training.
- Assist other departments or work areas as needed.
Requirements
- Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
- Experience in construction, equipment operation, or physically demanding labor.
- Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and work around large machinery.
- Ability to complete required qualification, safety, and training programs.
- Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
- Ability to work extended hours and significant overtime when required.
Preferred Experience
- 3+ years operating heavy equipment, including:
- Backhoes
- Bulldozers
- Excavators
- Front-end loaders
- Grapple trucks
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractors
- Skid-steer loaders
- Equivalent combination of training and hands-on experience may be considered.
Additional Compensation
- Overtime at 1.5x for eligible hours outside the regular schedule.
- Per diem for qualifying travel.
- Hotel accommodations/pay for qualifying travel.
- Layover pay when applicable.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screening
- Background check
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