CDL-A Track Equipment Operator – Railroad Construction
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
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40 hours guaranteed per week.
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Significant overtime; workweeks average 60+ hours and may reach 70.
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Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., are paid at time-and-a-half.
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On-call availability required 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
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Per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.
Responsibilities
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Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations.
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Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites; inspect loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight loads.
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Attend daily work-planning discussions and safety briefings.
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Load, unload, stage, secure, and move materials and equipment for track construction, repairs, and maintenance.
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Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, disassembly, and loading as needed.
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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.
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Assist with rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
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Perform grading, specialty lifting, equipment transfers, and other work related to railroad construction and track maintenance.
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Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed.
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Monitor equipment and vehicles to maintain safe, reliable operation and minimize downtime.
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Perform and document minor equipment maintenance; report complex mechanical issues to the shop manager or foreman.
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Restock vehicles and equipment with parts and supplies, organize materials, and sort scrap into designated areas.
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Clean job sites and keep vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas organized.
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Follow all safety policies and procedures and assist other departments when needed.
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Complete safety training and preventive maintenance during downtime between field assignments.
Required Qualifications
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Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
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Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding role.
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Ability to perform physical work and operate heavy equipment safely.
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Availability for 24/7 emergency callouts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
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Ability to complete required qualification tests and safety training.
Preferred Experience
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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.
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Experience in railroad track work, construction, equipment maintenance, or related field operations.
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Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.
Pre-Employment Requirements
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Pre-employment drug screening.
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Background check.
Interview Requirement: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.
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