CDL-A Track Equipment Operator
Location: Richmond, VA Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time Starting Rate: $26.00/hour (higher depending on experience) Benefits: Full benefits package
Position Overview
We are seeking a CDL-A Track Equipment Operator to support railroad construction, maintenance, and emergency response work. This is a hands-on position combining commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, and physical labor.
The role is primarily field-based and requires employees to respond to emergency railroad situations as needed. Applicants must be comfortable working long hours, traveling when required, and being available around the clock.
Schedule & Pay
- 40 hours guaranteed per week
- Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with significant overtime
- Hours outside of Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half
- 24/7 on-call availability required, including weekends and holidays
- Per diem available when applicable
- Hotel and layover pay provided for qualifying travel
Responsibilities
- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT requirements.
- Safely transport equipment, materials, and supplies to and from job sites.
- Inspect transported loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight equipment.
- Participate in daily job planning and safety meetings.
- Load, unload, move, and stage materials and equipment for railroad construction and maintenance activities.
- Assist with track maintenance, repairs, new track builds, rerailing, load transfers, and railroad car work.
- Assist with setting up, inspecting, and operating cranes and other heavy equipment.
- Perform rigging work using chains, cables, and winches.
- Operate equipment when qualified, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid steers.
- Support grading, specialty lifting, material handling, and other railroad-related construction activities.
- Use hydraulic tools, welding and cutting equipment, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
- Monitor equipment and vehicles to maintain safe and reliable operation.
- Perform and document basic maintenance and service work.
- Report major mechanical issues to the appropriate supervisor.
- Assist with breaking down, loading, and preparing cranes and other equipment for transportation.
- Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, supplies, and components.
- Sort scrap materials and maintain an organized work area.
- Keep vehicles, equipment, tools, and job sites clean and ready for use.
- Follow all safety policies and procedures.
- Assist other departments or crews as needed to support operational requirements.
Requirements
- Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
- Construction, heavy labor, or similar hands-on work experience.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work in a field environment.
- Ability to complete required training, qualification, and safety programs.
- Must be available 24/7 for emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
- Willingness to travel as required.
Preferred Experience
- 3+ years of heavy equipment operation, including:
- Backhoe
- Bulldozer
- Excavator
- Front-end loader
- Grapple truck
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractor
- Skid-steer loader
- Railroad, track maintenance, rerailing, or construction experience is preferred.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screen
- Background check
Interview: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots.
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