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
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Inspect trucks, trailers, and equipment before and after use, following company procedures and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
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Transport machinery and materials to and from job sites using tractor-trailers.
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Check transported loads and confirm permits and requirements for oversized or overweight equipment.
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Participate in daily work planning and safety meetings before beginning assignments.
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Position, stage, load, and unload equipment and materials for rerailing, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and railroad construction.
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Help assemble, inspect, set up, and operate cranes and other machinery.
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Assist with rigging operations, including connecting chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery.
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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.
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Support specialty lifting, railcar rerailing, load transfers, grading, track repairs, and new track construction.
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Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools as required.
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Monitor vehicles and machinery to maintain readiness and minimize downtime.
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Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing; report more complex mechanical problems to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
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Help dismantle, secure, and load cranes and other equipment after completing assignments.
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Restock vehicles and machinery with necessary parts, components, and supplies upon returning to the home base.
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Sort scrap materials and keep tools, equipment, vehicles, and work areas clean and organized.
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Assist other departments when needed to support operational requirements.
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Follow established safety procedures and maintain awareness of coworkers and surrounding hazards during equipment operation.
Required Qualifications
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Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A).
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Good driving record.
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Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding position.
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Ability to perform hands-on fieldwork and assist with equipment and material handling.
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Willingness to complete required training, safety programs, and qualification tests.
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Availability for emergency response on a 24/7 on-call basis, including weekends and holidays.
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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:
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Backhoes and bulldozers
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Excavators and front-end loaders
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Grapple trucks
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Rail-bound equipment
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Tractors and skid-steer loaders
Schedule and Pay Details
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Guaranteed minimum of 40 hours per week.
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Typical workweeks exceed 60 hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours depending on operational needs.
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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.
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Per diem, hotel pay for work-related travel, and layover pay are available when applicable.
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The schedule may change based on emergency calls and field assignments.
Pre-Employment Requirements
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Pre-employment drug screening.
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Background check.
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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.
Skills
As published by lever · 10 questions · 6 written answers
Basics
Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Portfolio URL, Qualdoc, LLC
Pick from a list (4)
- Do you understand that this position requires 24/7 on-call availability, including weekends and holidays, to respond to emergency situations?
- Do you have a clean driving record/MVR?
- Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
- Will you now or in the future require employer sponsorship for employment authorization?
Written answers (6)
- How many years of experience do you have operating heavy equipment, and what types of equipment have you worked with?
- How many years of experience do you have performing construction labor or other physically demanding work, and what were your primary responsibilities?
- How many years of experience do you have responding to emergency calls for service, and what types of emergency situations have you handled?
- When is your availability to start?
- Please provide your city, state and zip code
- Please provide your phone number and active email address