CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator – Richmond, VA
Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26/hour — higher depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed; average 60+ hours/week with overtime
On-Call: 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays
Position Summary
Seeking a Class A CDL operator to support railroad recovery and maintenance operations. This is a hands-on position involving equipment transportation, rerailing, material handling, railroad car work, and track-related activities.
Driving is only one part of the job. Operators must be comfortable working with heavy equipment, performing physical labor, and responding to emergency derailment calls.
Responsibilities
Complete DOT-compliant pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and verify loads, permits, and transportation requirements.
Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for rerailing, load transfer, and track work.
Assist with crane setup, rigging, chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery.
Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid steers.
Support rerailing, railroad car maintenance/repair, track maintenance, track repair, new track construction, grading, and related activities.
Use hydraulic tools, welding and cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe and reliable operation.
Perform minor equipment and vehicle servicing and report major mechanical issues for repair.
Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, transportation, and job-site cleanup.
Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, supplies, and components.
Maintain organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.
Follow all safety procedures and participate in daily safety briefings and required training.
Assist other departments or work areas as needed.
Requirements
Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
Experience in construction, equipment operation, or physically demanding labor.
Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and work around large machinery.
Ability to complete required qualification, safety, and training programs.
Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
Ability to work extended hours and significant overtime when required.
Preferred Experience
3+ years operating heavy equipment, including:
- Backhoes
- Bulldozers
- Excavators
- Front-end loaders
- Grapple trucks
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractors
- Skid-steer loaders
- Equivalent combination of training and hands-on experience may be considered.
Additional Compensation
Overtime at 1.5x for eligible hours outside the regular schedule.
Per diem for qualifying travel.
Hotel accommodations/pay for qualifying travel.
Layover pay when applicable.
Pre-Employment Requirements
Drug screening
Background check
