CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator & Rail Services Technician

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator & Rail Services Technician

Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Pay: From $57,200 per year (higher pay available based on experience)

Position Overview

We're hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator & Rail Services Technician to support railroad maintenance, emergency response, and heavy equipment operations. This role combines commercial driving, equipment operation, and hands-on labor to assist with derailment recovery, railcar repairs, track maintenance, load transfers, and railroad construction projects.

This is a full-time position offering excellent overtime opportunities, travel benefits, and comprehensive employee benefits.

• Guaranteed 40 hours per week
• Average workweek of 60 hours including overtime
• On-call 24/7 for emergency response, including nights, weekends, and holiday

• Starting pay from $57,200 annually (higher starting pay based on experience)
• Overtime paid at 1.5x the regular hourly rate for hours worked outside Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM
• Per diem for eligible travel
• Hotel accommodations provided during overnight travel
• Layover pay when applicable
• Full-time position with benefits

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT regulations and company standards.
• Safely transport heavy equipment and materials to and from job sites using a Class A CDL tractor-trailer.
• Verify permits and inspect oversized or overweight loads before transport.
• Participate in daily job planning meetings and safety briefings before work begins.
• Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials needed for rail maintenance, derailment recovery, load transfers, and construction activities.
• Assist with rerailing operations and railroad car repairs.
• Assemble, inspect, and operate cranes and other heavy equipment while following established operating procedures and safety requirements.
• Support rigging operations by connecting chains, cables, winches, and lifting equipment during recovery projects.
• Operate heavy machinery, including:
  • Cranes
  • Backhoes
  • Excavators
  • Grapple trucks
  • Dump trucks
  • Bulldozers
  • Front-end loaders
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractors
  • Skid-steer loaders
• Use hydraulic equipment, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools to complete assigned work.
• Monitor equipment performance and report maintenance concerns.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs while escalating major mechanical issues to maintenance personnel.
• Assist with dismantling and loading cranes and specialty equipment following project completion.
• Restock vehicles, tools, parts, and supplies to maintain operational readiness.
• Maintain clean, organized work vehicles, equipment, and job sites.
• Support other departments and work assignments as business needs require.
• Follow all company safety procedures and maintain a strong commitment to safe work practices.

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
• Experience performing construction labor or similar physically demanding work.
• Ability to successfully complete required qualification testing, training, and safety programs.
• Must be available for emergency response on a 24/7 on-call basis, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to safely perform physically demanding tasks in outdoor work environments.