CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery

Qualdoc•Richmond, VA

About The Position

Join a field operations team responding to railroad derailments, track projects, and equipment recovery assignments. This hands-on role combines CDL-A driving, heavy equipment operation, and physical fieldwork. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the job, with most time spent supporting on-site operations. The position requires availability for emergency callouts 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Work may involve rapid response, extended hours, and travel outside the local area. Employees are guaranteed 40 hours of work per week, though the typical workload is 60 or more hours and some weeks may reach approximately 70 hours. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM. Hours outside that schedule are paid at time-and-a-half according to the applicable overtime policy. When there are no emergency assignments, employees may complete safety training, preventive maintenance, and equipment checks. The role is a full-time, direct-hire position based in Richmond, Virginia, with a starting rate of $26.00 per hour and higher pay depending on experience. Per diem, hotel pay for travel, layover pay when applicable, and a full benefits package are offered.

Requirements

Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding role.
Ability to operate standard construction equipment and perform hands-on fieldwork.
Willingness to complete required qualification tests, safety training, and equipment training.
Availability for 24/7 emergency callouts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to work extended hours in a demanding field environment.
Pre-employment drug screening and background check.
Bring steel-toed boots to the interview.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
Equivalent combinations of training and practical equipment operating experience will also be considered.

Responsibilities

Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company procedures and DOT regulations.
Transport equipment and materials to job sites, inspect loads, and verify permits for oversized or overweight loads.
Participate in job briefings and daily safety meetings before beginning field assignments.
Load, unload, stage, and secure materials and equipment for railroad recovery, rerailing, load adjustment, and track work.
Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, and disassembly.
Operate heavy equipment, as qualified, including cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, skid-steers, and rail-bound equipment.
Assist with rerailing operations, railroad car maintenance and repair, load transfers, track maintenance and repairs, grading, and new track construction.
Use chains, cables, rigging equipment, winches, hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools as needed.
Monitor equipment and vehicles to maintain safe, reliable operation and minimize downtime.
Complete minor equipment servicing and document maintenance; report more complex mechanical issues to the shop manager or foreman.
Clean work areas, organize tools, sort scrap materials, and restock vehicles and equipment for future assignments.
Follow safety policies and maintain equipment, vehicles, and work areas in good condition.
Assist other departments as needed to support field operations.
Complete safety training, preventive maintenance, and equipment checks during periods without emergency assignments.