CDL-A Railroad Rerail Operator
Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Pay: Starting at $26/hour, higher depending on experience
Benefits: Full benefits package
Position Overview
Join a field crew supporting railroad rerailing, track maintenance, equipment recovery, and related construction work. This is a hands-on CDL-A position where driving is only a small part of the job.
You will transport and operate equipment, assist with rerailing operations, perform physical field work, and respond to railroad emergencies. Candidates should be comfortable working outdoors, using construction equipment and tools, and working in situations where priorities can change quickly.
What You'll Do
- Complete DOT-compliant pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
- Transport machinery, materials, and equipment to and from job sites.
- Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight and oversized transportation.
- Load, unload, move, stage, position, and secure equipment and materials.
- Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.
- Assist with:
- Railroad rerailing operations
- Load adjustment and transfer
- Railroad car maintenance and repair
- Track maintenance and repair
- New track construction
- Help assemble, inspect, and operate cranes and other heavy equipment.
- Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
- Operate equipment when qualified, including:
- Cranes
- Backhoes
- Bulldozers
- Excavators
- Front-end loaders
- Grapple trucks
- Dump trucks
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractors
- Skid-steer loaders
- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
- Operate equipment safely while maintaining awareness of coworkers and surrounding conditions.
- Monitor vehicles and equipment for operational readiness and minimize downtime.
- Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service; report more complex mechanical issues for repair.
- Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, transportation, and job-site cleanup.
- Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, components, and supplies.
- Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.
- Keep vehicles, equipment, and work areas clean, organized, and job-ready.
- Support other departments or field crews when needed.
- Follow all required safety policies and procedures.
Qualifications
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A).
- Good driving record.
- Previous construction labor, field work, or similar physically demanding experience.
- Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs.
- Ability to work in a physically demanding outdoor environment.
- Must be available 24/7 for emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a field crew in time-sensitive situations.
Schedule & Compensation
- 40 hours guaranteed per week
- Average 60+ hours per week, with significant overtime; some weeks may reach approximately 70 hours
- Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime
- 24/7 on-call emergency response
- Per diem
- Hotel pay/accommodations for qualifying travel
- Layover pay when applicable
- Full benefits package
Pre-Employment Requirements
