Job Description

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

Preferred Experience

Additional Compensation

Pre-Employment Requirements