CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator

Job Description

Job Description

CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator

Location: Richmond, VA
Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay based on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly; typically 60+ hours per week, with significant overtime
Benefits: Full benefits package, per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable

About the Position

We are seeking a CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator to assist with railroad recovery, heavy equipment operations, and related field assignments in the Richmond, VA area. This position combines commercial vehicle operation with hands-on work involving machinery, materials, and specialized railroad recovery equipment.

Driving makes up approximately 10% of the role. Most responsibilities involve equipment operation, material handling, routine maintenance, and assisting with rerailing and other railroad-related activities. Employees must be prepared to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Inspect trucks, trailers, and equipment before and after use, following company procedures and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

• Transport machinery and materials to and from job sites using tractor-trailers.

• Check transported loads and confirm permits and requirements for oversized or overweight equipment.

• Participate in daily work planning and safety meetings before beginning assignments.

• Position, stage, load, and unload equipment and materials for rerailing, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and railroad construction.

• Help assemble, inspect, set up, and operate cranes and other machinery.

• Assist with rigging operations, including connecting chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery.

• Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, grapple trucks, dump trucks, front-end loaders, tractors, skid-steer loaders, and rail-bound equipment.

• Support specialty lifting, railcar rerailing, load transfers, grading, track repairs, and new track construction.

• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools as required.

• Monitor vehicles and machinery to maintain readiness and minimize downtime.

• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing; report more complex mechanical problems to the Shop Manager or Foreman.

• Help dismantle, secure, and load cranes and other equipment after completing assignments.

• Restock vehicles and machinery with necessary parts, components, and supplies upon returning to the home base.

• Sort scrap materials and keep tools, equipment, vehicles, and work areas clean and organized.

• Assist other departments when needed to support operational requirements.

• Follow established safety procedures and maintain awareness of coworkers and surrounding hazards during equipment operation.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A).

• Good driving record.

• Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding position.

• Ability to perform hands-on fieldwork and assist with equipment and material handling.

• Willingness to complete required training, safety programs, and qualification tests.

• Availability for emergency response on a 24/7 on-call basis, including weekends and holidays.

• Commitment to safe work practices, equipment care, and maintaining a professional work environment.

Preferred Experience

At least three years of heavy equipment operating experience is preferred, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Relevant equipment experience includes:

• Backhoes and bulldozers

• Excavators and front-end loaders

• Grapple trucks

• Rail-bound equipment

• Tractors and skid-steer loaders

Schedule and Pay Details

• Guaranteed minimum of 40 hours per week.

• Typical workweeks exceed 60 hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours depending on operational needs.

• Hours outside the regular Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule are paid at time and a half, subject to the applicable overtime policy.

• Per diem, hotel pay for work-related travel, and layover pay are available when applicable.

• The schedule may change based on emergency calls and field assignments.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Pre-employment drug screening.

• Background check.

• Completion of required training and qualification assessments.

Interview Requirement

Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.

Why Consider This Role?

Join a specialized field operations team where CDL-A driving and heavy equipment skills support time-sensitive railroad recovery work. This direct-hire opportunity offers guaranteed weekly hours, overtime opportunities, travel-related compensation when applicable, and a full benefits package.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.