Equipment Operator - Nationwide Travel

Road & Rail Services•Frankfort, KY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Road & Rail Services is hiring an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our traveling railroad track maintenance team. This position is based out of Frankfort, Kentucky, with projects located throughout the United States. This is a 100% travel position. Employees will travel continuously between project locations and may remain away from home for extended assignments. We're looking for someone with experience operating heavy equipment in railroad track maintenance, Maintenance of Way (MOW), track construction, or a closely related environment. You'll work alongside track crews using heavy machinery to construct, maintain, repair, and improve railroad infrastructure.

Requirements

Minimum two years of railroad track maintenance or Maintenance of Way experience
Previous professional experience operating heavy equipment
Experience working around railroad tracks or railroad construction activities
Ability to safely operate equipment around ground crews and other machinery
Understanding of railroad job-site hazards and safe work practices
Valid state-issued driver's license
Ability and willingness to travel nationwide 100% of the time
Ability to remain away from home for extended project assignments
Dependable attendance and punctuality
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Ability to work independently and follow instructions
Ability to perform physical work when not operating equipment

Nice To Haves

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) preferred, but not required
Experience operating tampers, regulators, or other Maintenance of Way equipment
Previous experience with a Class I railroad, short-line railroad, railroad contractor, or track construction company
Additional equipment certifications or railroad qualifications

Responsibilities

Operate excavators, backhoes, loaders, and other heavy construction equipment
Operate tampers, regulators, and specialized railroad equipment when trained and qualified
Support railroad track construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance projects
Assist crews with removing and installing railroad ties, rail, and track components
Perform grading, excavation, material placement, and site preparation
Support track surfacing, stabilization, and alignment activities
Move, load, unload, and stage track materials and equipment
Work safely around active railroad tracks, equipment, vehicles, and crew members
Complete equipment inspections before beginning work
Identify and report equipment defects or mechanical concerns
Recognize unsafe conditions and communicate concerns to supervision
Assist with basic equipment care and maintenance
Follow company, customer, and applicable railroad safety procedures
Follow applicable Federal Railroad Administration requirements
Maintain a clean and organized work area
Wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)