CDL-A Track Equipment Operator

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.