CDL-A Track Equipment Operator – Railroad Construction

Qualdoc•Richmond, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The CDL-A Track Equipment Operator supports railroad track construction, maintenance, and emergency recovery operations. This hands-on field role combines heavy equipment operation, material transportation, and physical labor. Work may include track repairs, new track construction, grading, equipment staging, and railroad recovery assistance. Driving is a smaller part of the job; operators spend much of their time working on-site and operating equipment. The position is based in Richmond, Virginia, and involves regional travel, long hours, and availability for emergency callouts at any time. It is a full-time, direct-hire role with 40 hours guaranteed per week. Workweeks average more than 60 hours and may reach 70 hours. Hours outside Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., are paid at time-and-a-half. The starting rate is $26.00 per hour, with higher pay depending on experience. Per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay are provided when applicable. Candidates must have a valid CDL-A and a good driving record, experience in construction labor or another physically demanding role, and the ability to perform physical work and operate heavy equipment safely. Preferred experience includes at least three years operating heavy equipment and experience in railroad track work, construction, equipment maintenance, or related field operations. Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered. Pre-employment drug screening and a background check are required. Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview. The employer may use AI tools to support parts of recruiting, including application and resume review and response assessment. These tools assist the recruitment team but do not replace human judgment; final hiring decisions are made by humans. Candidates may contact the employer for more information about data processing.

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 perform physical work and operate heavy equipment safely.
Availability for 24/7 emergency callouts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to complete required qualification tests and safety training.
Pre-employment drug screening and background check.
Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of experience operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
Experience in railroad track work, construction, equipment maintenance, or related field operations.
Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations.
Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites; inspect loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight loads.
Attend daily work-planning discussions and safety briefings.
Load, unload, stage, secure, and move materials and equipment for track construction, repairs, and maintenance.
Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, disassembly, and loading as needed.
Operate heavy equipment, including cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, tractors, skid steers, and rail-bound equipment when qualified.
Assist with rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
Perform grading, specialty lifting, equipment transfers, and other work related to railroad construction and track maintenance.
Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed.
Monitor equipment and vehicles to maintain safe, reliable operation and minimize downtime.
Perform and document minor equipment maintenance; report complex mechanical issues to the shop manager or foreman.
Restock vehicles and equipment with parts and supplies, organize materials, and sort scrap into designated areas.
Clean job sites and keep vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas organized.
Follow all safety policies and procedures and assist other departments when needed.
Complete safety training and preventive maintenance during downtime between field assignments.