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

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Drug screen
• Background check

Candidates should bring steel-toed boots.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.