Backhoe Operator I

North American Rail Solutions; Mulberry (FL); On-site; USD 27,552 - 41,328; Full time

Job summary

North American Rail Solutions seeks a skilled Backhoe Operator for American Track projects to perform essential earthwork for railroad construction and maintenance. The role includes training to operate Tamper machines and Ballast Regulators, with duties spanning general construction and precision rail operations, plus travel and occasional weekend work.

The position emphasizes safety, equipment maintenance, and collaboration with crew members to meet project plans and grade standards.

Qualifications

• Backhoe operator with at least 1 year experience; railroad construction experience preferred.
• Must be able to understand instructions and work with team.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks and lift up to 100 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate heavy equipment safely.
• Maintain and inspect equipment daily.
• Move and load materials; grade earth and redistribute material.
• Coordinate machine actions with crew signals and plans.
• Lead crew when needed and assist with labor on demand.
• Train others on on-track machinery when required.

Skills

Backhoe operation

Safety awareness

Communication

Outdoor work

Terrain navigation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

American Track, a North American Rail Solutions company, is seeking a skilled Backhoe Operator to perform essential earthwork for railroad construction and maintenance projects. This hourly craft position also includes training to operate specialized on-track equipment such as Tamper machines and Ballast Regulators. The role involves both general construction and precision rail operations, with travel and occasional weekend work expected.

Major Responsibilities

• Set up and operate heavy construction equipment in a safe manner
• Keep equipment clean and perform required maintenance
• Proper pre-start and daily maintenance, including lubrication and required documentation
• Operate equipment to grade or redistribute earth and move, load or unload material
• Install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures
• Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand/audio signals from crew members
• Signal directions to coworkers
• Study instructions, plans, and diagrams to establish work requirements
• Locate underground services, such as pipes and wires, prior to beginning work
• Grade plan requirements and set grade standards
• Lead a crew, delegate work within work scope, and assist crews with necessary labor on an as-needed basis
• Understand production and quantity requirements and make decisions based on verifiable standards
• Perform incidental work items and duties included within other crafts including operating on-track machinery
• Ability and willingness to be trained as well as train others on the machine
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED preferred

Work Experience Required

• Minimum of one year operating a backhoe; experience in railroad construction strongly preferred
• Valid driver’s license required
• Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening

Skills & Knowledge Required

• Ability to understand work instructions and communicate effectively with supervisors and team members
• Physical capability to perform demanding tasks, including lifting up to 100 lbs and working at heights
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and around heavy equipment, moving machinery, noise, dust, and grease
• Strong situational awareness and attention to safety in active construction environments
• Comfortable navigating uneven terrain and climbing on/off heavy equipment safely

This is an evergreen posting that supports our ongoing talent pipeline and is used to collect applications for future openings. We review all submissions, and candidates whose qualifications best align with our needs will be contacted as opportunities become available.