Backhoe Operator I

American Track; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in railroad construction is seeking a skilled backhoe operator to join its dynamic team. This role involves operating heavy machinery safely, maintaining equipment, and collaborating with a dedicated crew on various construction projects. The ideal candidate will have experience in a railroad environment and demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills. With a robust benefits package, including medical and dental insurance, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to vital earthwork services. If you're ready to take on new challenges and grow your skills, this is the perfect role for you.

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Holiday Pay

401k

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience operating a backhoe in railroad construction preferred.
• Must understand work directions and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Operate machinery safely and perform daily maintenance.
• Coordinate machine actions with crew members and assist as needed.
• Lead a crew and delegate work within the scope.

Skills

Backhoe Operation

Heavy Machinery Operation

Safety Procedures

Maintenance Skills

Communication Skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Tamper Machine

Ballast Regulator

Hand Power Tools

Job description

American Track recognizes that earthwork is a vital part of almost all railroad construction projects. With our equipment and expertise, we offer a broad range of earthwork services and our backhoe operators are at the heart of our operations. The backhoe operator is an hourly-rated skilled craft position that works on construction and maintenance projects and performs any combination of the duties described below. A backhoe operator typically performs a wide variety of tasks, transferring from one task to another as the workflow dictates. The applicant who fills this position will also be trained on and operate specialty railroad machinery that include a Tamper machine and Ballast Regulator. The applicant is being hired with the intent of working as a backhoe operator as well as an operator of our on-track machines. Some travel/ weekend work should be expected. We offer competitive pay, paid time off, holiday pay, 401k and a robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

Job Responsibilities:

• Operate all machinery in a safe manner
• Sets up heavy construction equipment
• 1+ years of experience operating a backhoe with experience in a railroad construction environment preferred.
• Proper pre-start and daily Maintenance- Including lubrication and required documentation
• Keep equipment clean and well-maintained (perform required maintenance)
• Operates equipment to grade or redistribute earth
• Operates equipment to move, load or unload material
• Installs equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures
• Signals directions or warnings to coworkers
• Coordinates machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members
• Locates underground services, such as pipes and wires, prior to beginning work
• Studies instructions, plans, and diagrams to establish work requirements
• Grade plan requirements and set grade standards
• Demonstrate the ability to lead a crew and delegate work within work scope
• Understand production and quantity requirements
• Make decisions based on verifiable standards
• Perform incidental work items and duties included within other crafts including operating on-track machinery
• Assist crews with necessary labor on an as-needed basis
• Ability and willingness to be trained as well as train others on the machine

Education and Experience:

This position requires at least one year of previous experience as a backhoe operator. A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred. Must be able to understand work directions and communicate effectively with Superintendents and fellow employees. A valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Demands:

The following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by a backhoe operator to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Constant physical effort, including standing, is required during a regular work shift of at least eight hours per day. Employee must be able to stand for extended periods of time, and to stoop, bend, and crouch as required to perform key duties.
• Frequently work with hands extended overhead, sometimes in conjunction with the operation of hand power tools.
• Ability to lift and carry, on a frequent basis, at least 50 pounds personally, and up to 150 pounds with assistance.
• Maintain constant alertness to the multiple concurrent activities of the construction site, including the activities of other employees and contractors, the operation of stationary equipment, and the movement of mobile equipment.
• Frequently walk on uneven surfaces, including natural ground, in varying weather conditions.
• The operator must be able to climb on and off heavy mobile equipment safely.