Backhoe / On-Track Equipment Operator - Railroad Services - Rock Springs

Great Basin Industrial; Rock Springs (WY); On-site; USD 27,552 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Company-Paid Life Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Job summary

Great Basin Industrial in Rock Springs, WY is seeking a skilled Backhoe Operator to perform earthwork and maintain railroad infrastructure across the Intermountain West. This hourly, full-time position requires regular travel and weekend work, with training on specialized on-track equipment.

The ideal candidate will have at least one year of backhoe operation experience and a High School Diploma or GED. Benefits include health insurance, PTO, and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience as a backhoe operator.
• Experience in a railroad or heavy civil construction environment preferred.
• Ability to understand work instructions and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Operate backhoes and other heavy construction equipment safely.
• Perform pre-start inspections and daily maintenance.
• Signal directions to coworkers during operations.
• Lead a crew and delegate work effectively.

Skills

Backhoe operation

Heavy equipment operation

Team coordination

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Backhoe

Tamper machines

Ballast Regulators

Job description

Pay Type

Hourly, negotiable DOE

Location

Rock Springs, WY

Employment Type

Hourly, Full-Time; travel and weekend work required

Travel

Regular travel throughout the Intermountain West required

Overview

GBI Railroad Services recognizes that earthwork is a critical component of nearly all railroad construction and maintenance projects. Our Backhoe Operators are skilled craft professionals at the core of our operations, supporting safe and efficient delivery of railroad infrastructure across the Intermountain West.

This hourly position performs a wide variety of earthwork, construction, and maintenance tasks and regularly transitions between duties as workflow demands. In addition to operating a backhoe, the successful candidate will be trained to operate specialized on-track railroad equipment, including Tamper machines and Ballast Regulators. Candidates are hired with the intent to develop proficiency in both off-track and on-track equipment operations.

This position requires the ability to perform all essential job functions safely and effectively, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements and Responsibilities

• Operate backhoes and other heavy construction equipment in a safe and productive manner
• Set up heavy equipment and attachments for daily operations
• Perform pre-start inspections and daily maintenance, including lubrication and required documentation
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and perform required routine maintenance
• Operate equipment to grade, excavate, and redistribute earth and ballast
• Operate equipment to move, load, and unload materials
• Install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures
• Coordinate equipment movements with crew activities using hand and audio signals
• Signal directions or warnings to coworkers as needed
• Locate underground utilities such as pipes and wires prior to excavation
• Review plans, instructions, and diagrams to establish work requirements
• Interpret grade plans and set grade standards
• Demonstrate the ability to lead a crew and delegate work within assigned scope
• Understand production targets and quantity requirements
• Make operational decisions based on established standards and procedures
• Perform incidental duties associated with other crafts, including operation of on-track machinery
• Assist field crews with labor tasks as required
• Demonstrate the ability and willingness to be trained and to train others on equipment operations

Education and Experience

Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a backhoe operator; experience in a railroad or heavy civil construction environment preferred. High School Diploma or GED preferred. Must be able to understand work instructions and communicate effectively with Superintendents and fellow employees. A valid driver's license is required.

Physical Demands

• Ability to perform constant physical effort during work shifts of eight hours or more
• Ability to stand for extended periods and to stoop, bend, crouch, and climb as required
• Frequent work with hands extended overhead, sometimes using hand or power tools
• Ability to lift and carry at least 50 pounds independently and up to 150 pounds with assistance
• Maintain constant alertness to jobsite activities, equipment movement, and surrounding hazards
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain in varying weather conditions
• Ability to safely climb on and off heavy mobile equipment

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) – accrues starting day one!
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Per Diem Allowance for qualifying out-of-town work (meals & lodging support)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We are a drug‑free workplace.