Field Services - Equipment Operator

North American Rail Solutions•Knoxville, TN

21h•Onsite

About The Position

North American Rail Solutions (NARS) is seeking a skilled Equipment Operator to perform essential earthwork for railroad construction and maintenance projects. This hourly craft position also includes training to operate specialized on-track equipment. The role involves both general construction and precision rail operations, with travel and occasional weekend work expected.

Requirements

Minimum of one year operating a backhoe
Valid driver’s license required
Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening
Ability to understand work instructions and communicate effectively with supervisors and team members
Physical capability to perform demanding tasks, including lifting up to 100 lbs and working at heights
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and around heavy equipment, moving machinery, noise, dust, and grease
Strong situational awareness and attention to safety in active construction environments
Comfortable navigating uneven terrain and climbing on/off heavy equipment safely

Nice To Haves

High School Diploma or GED preferred
experience in railroad construction strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Set up and operate heavy construction equipment in a safe manner
Keep equipment clean and perform required maintenance
Proper pre-start and daily maintenance, including lubrication and required documentation
Operate equipment to grade or redistribute earth and move, load or unload material
Install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures
Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand/audio signals from crew members
Signal directions to coworkers
Study instructions, plans, and diagrams to establish work requirements
Locate underground services, such as pipes and wires, prior to beginning work
Grade plan requirements and set grade standards
Lead a crew, delegate work within work scope, and assist crews with necessary labor on an as-needed basis
Understand production and quantity requirements and make decisions based on verifiable standards
Perform incidental work items and duties included within other crafts including operating on-track machinery
Ability and willingness to be trained as well as train others on the machine
Performs all other duties as assigned.