Equipment Operator – Railroad Maintenance

Road & Rail Services•Medley, FL

8d•$22 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Road & Rail Services is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad track construction, maintenance, and repair work in the Miami / Medley, Florida area. This is a full-time, on-site working operator position combining operation of heavy machinery with physical labor, equipment inspections, and assistance to the track maintenance crew. Candidates with construction, excavation, roadwork, utilities, industrial maintenance, or related equipment experience are encouraged to apply; railroad experience is preferred but not required. The role involves operating backhoes, excavators, front-end loaders, and other assigned machinery for excavation, grading, trenching, material handling, and railroad repair projects. The operator also assists with track maintenance tasks such as removing and replacing ties and damaged track components, rail installation and alignment, surfacing, ballast and drainage upkeep, and staging tools and materials. Work takes place outdoors around railroad tracks, heavy machinery, and construction equipment in varying weather conditions. The position may require additional hours or weekend work when operational needs require. The role pays $22.00–$25.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications. Eligible full-time employees are offered medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) plan with company match; paid vacation and holidays; a steel-toe boot allowance; company-provided PPE; hands-on training; and career development and advancement opportunities. A background check and drug screen are required.

Requirements

Minimum 4 years of hands-on heavy equipment operating experience in construction, excavation, industrial, or similar environments.
Experience operating backhoes, excavators, loaders, or comparable construction machinery.
Ability to safely operate equipment in confined or active industrial work areas.
Strong understanding of equipment safety, inspections, and jobsite hazards.
Ability to follow instructions, communicate with crew members, and work independently.
Willingness to perform physical labor when not operating equipment.
Dependable attendance and a strong work ethic.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Ability to work in Florida heat, humidity, rain, dust, and other outdoor conditions.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and climb throughout the workday.
Ability to safely navigate uneven terrain, railroad ballast, and construction areas.
Ability to climb onto and off heavy equipment throughout the shift.
Ability to lift and handle tools, materials, and equipment as required.
Ability to wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Willingness to work additional hours or weekends when operational needs require.
Must complete a background check and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Railroad track maintenance or Maintenance of Way (MOW) experience.
Experience operating railroad tampers, ballast regulators, or other track maintenance equipment.
Civil construction, utility installation, roadwork, or site preparation experience.
Equipment troubleshooting, mechanical maintenance, or minor repair experience.
Familiarity with railroad safety procedures and FRA regulations.

Responsibilities

Operate backhoes, excavators, front-end loaders, and other assigned heavy machinery.
Perform excavation, grading, trenching, and material-handling activities.
Move, position, and load railroad ties, rail components, ballast, and construction materials.
Assist with equipment positioning during railroad track repair projects.
Conduct daily equipment inspections and identify mechanical or safety concerns.
Perform basic equipment maintenance and report necessary repairs.
Safely operate machinery around railroad tracks, personnel, and industrial equipment.
Assist with removing and replacing railroad ties and damaged track components.
Support rail installation, alignment, surfacing, and general track repairs.
Help maintain railroad ballast, drainage areas, and track foundations.
Use hand tools, power tools, and specialized railroad maintenance equipment.
Assist with loading, unloading, and staging tools and materials.
Support track maintenance activities when equipment operation is not required.
Follow applicable Federal Railroad Administration requirements and company safety procedures.
Work with crew members to complete assigned projects safely and efficiently.