Railroad CDL Operator – Richmond, VA

Railroad CDL Operator – Richmond, VA

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

We are looking for a Class A CDL operator to support railroad field operations throughout the region. This position combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, and hands-on railroad construction support.

The work may include emergency derailment response, rerailing, railroad car maintenance and repair, load adjustment or transfer, track repair, maintenance, and new track construction.

Schedule & Pay

• 40 hours guaranteed each week
• Average of 60+ hours per week, including overtime
• 24/7 on-call responsibility for emergency response
• Regular hours:
  Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Hours outside the regular schedule are paid at time and a half
• Per diem for qualifying assignments
• Hotel pay for travel
• Layover pay when applicable

What You'll Do

• Perform DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Drive tractor-trailers between the home base and job sites.
• Inspect transported machinery, materials, and loads before and during travel.
• Confirm transportation permits and verify requirements for overweight and oversized loads.
• Safely load, secure, transport, unload, and stage equipment and materials.

• Participate in daily work planning and safety meetings before field activities begin.
• Support rerailing and derailment recovery operations.
• Assist with railroad car maintenance and repair.
• Support load adjustment and transfer work.
• Assist with track maintenance, repairs, grading, and new track construction.
• Prepare equipment and materials for each assignment and help clean and secure the work site when work is completed.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, and operation.
• Help rig equipment using chains, cables, and winches during derailment and rerailing work.
• Operate equipment safely while remaining aware of coworkers, vehicles, and surrounding conditions.

Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including:

• Cranes
• Backhoes
• Grapple trucks
• Dump trucks
• Excavators
• Bulldozers
• Front-end loaders
• Rail-bound equipment
• Tractors
• Skid-steer loaders

Use a variety of tools and equipment, including:

• Hydraulic tools
• Welding equipment
• Cutting torches
• Electrical tools
• Common hand tools

• Monitor trucks, vehicles, and equipment to help prevent downtime and maintain readiness.
• Perform and document minor vehicle and equipment service.
• Report more complex mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
• Assist with equipment and crane disassembly and loading after assignments.
• Return vehicles and equipment to the home base properly stocked with required parts, components, and supplies.
• Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.
• Keep vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas clean, organized, and free of debris.
• Maintain equipment and work areas to established quality and workmanship standards.
• Assist other departments or divisions when needed to meet operational requirements.
• Follow all applicable safety policies, procedures, and regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Good driving record
• Experience performing construction labor or similar physically demanding work
• Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs
• Must be available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, for emergency service calls
• Ability to work safely in physically demanding field environments

Preferred Experience

3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience
, including one or more of the following:

• Backhoe
• Bulldozer
• Excavator
• Front-end loader
• Grapple truck
• Rail-bound equipment
• Tractor
• Skid-steer loader

An equivalent combination of training and experience may also be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check