Railroad CDL Operator – Richmond, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-TimeLocation: Richmond, VAStarting Pay: $26/hour — higher depending on experienceBenefits: Full benefits package
Position Summary
We are looking for a Class A CDL operator to support railroad field operations throughout the region. This position combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, and hands-on railroad construction support.
The work may include emergency derailment response, rerailing, railroad car maintenance and repair, load adjustment or transfer, track repair, maintenance, and new track construction.
Schedule & Pay
- 40 hours guaranteed each week
- Average of 60+ hours per week, including overtime
- 24/7 on-call responsibility for emergency response
- Regular hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Hours outside the regular schedule are paid at time and a half
- Per diem for qualifying assignments
- Hotel pay for travel
- Layover pay when applicable
What You'll Do
Driving & Transportation
- Perform DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment.
- Drive tractor-trailers between the home base and job sites.
- Inspect transported machinery, materials, and loads before and during travel.
- Confirm transportation permits and verify requirements for overweight and oversized loads.
- Safely load, secure, transport, unload, and stage equipment and materials.
Railroad & Field Operations
- Participate in daily work planning and safety meetings before field activities begin.
- Support rerailing and derailment recovery operations.
- Assist with railroad car maintenance and repair.
- Support load adjustment and transfer work.
- Assist with track maintenance, repairs, grading, and new track construction.
- Prepare equipment and materials for each assignment and help clean and secure the work site when work is completed.
- Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, and operation.
- Help rig equipment using chains, cables, and winches during derailment and rerailing work.
- Operate equipment safely while remaining aware of coworkers, vehicles, and surrounding conditions.
Heavy Equipment & Tools
Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including:
- Cranes
- Backhoes
- Grapple trucks
- Dump trucks
- Excavators
- Bulldozers
- Front-end loaders
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractors
- Skid-steer loaders
Use a variety of tools and equipment, including:
- Hydraulic tools
- Welding equipment
- Cutting torches
- Electrical tools
- Common hand tools
Equipment Maintenance & Jobsite Support
- Monitor trucks, vehicles, and equipment to help prevent downtime and maintain readiness.
- Perform and document minor vehicle and equipment service.
- Report more complex mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
- Assist with equipment and crane disassembly and loading after assignments.
- Return vehicles and equipment to the home base properly stocked with required parts, components, and supplies.
- Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.
- Keep vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas clean, organized, and free of debris.
- Maintain equipment and work areas to established quality and workmanship standards.
- Assist other departments or divisions when needed to meet operational requirements.
- Follow all applicable safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
Required Qualifications
- Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Good driving record
- Experience performing construction labor or similar physically demanding work
- Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs
- Must be available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, for emergency service calls
- Ability to work safely in physically demanding field environments
Preferred Experience
3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including one or more of the following:
- Backhoe
- Bulldozer
- Excavator
- Front-end loader
- Grapple truck
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractor
- Skid-steer loader
An equivalent combination of training and experience may also be considered.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screening
- Background check