CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator – Richmond, VA

CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator – Richmond, VA

Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26/hour — higher depending on experience
Benefits: Full benefits package

Position Overview

Seeking a Class A CDL operator for railroad field operations, including derailment response, equipment transportation, rerailing, track work, and related site activities. This is a hands-on position that combines driving, heavy equipment operation, and physical labor.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week
• Average 60+ hours per week, with additional overtime as needed
• 24/7 on-call availability, including weekends and holidays
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x
• Per diem for qualifying assignments
• Hotel/travel pay and layover pay when applicable

Key Responsibilities

• Perform DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Transport equipment and materials to and from railroad work sites using tractor-trailers.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight or oversized equipment.
• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for rerailing, load transfers, and track projects.
• Assist with railroad derailment response, rerailing, track maintenance, repairs, and new construction.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, and teardown.
• Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid steers when qualified.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe and reliable operation.
• Perform and document minor equipment/vehicle servicing and report larger mechanical issues.
• Reload and secure equipment following field assignments.
• Restock parts, components, and supplies and organize scrap materials at the home location.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.
• Follow all safety procedures and assist other departments as needed.

Requirements

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction, equipment operation, or other physically demanding work.
• Ability to complete required training, qualification, and safety programs.
• Ability to work in an on-call environment and respond to emergency assignments 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to perform physical labor and work safely around heavy equipment and railroad operations.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years operating heavy equipment such as:
  • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Excavators
  • Front-end loaders
  • Grapple trucks
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractors
  • Skid-steer loaders
  • Equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check