Backhoe Operator I

American Track; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 30,307 - 46,838; Full time

Job summary

American Track, a North American Rail Solutions company, seeks a skilled Backhoe Operator to perform essential earthwork for railroad construction and maintenance projects. This hourly craft position includes training to operate specialized on-track equipment such as Tamper machines and Ballast Regulators, with travel and occasional weekend work expected.

The role requires setting up and operating heavy equipment safely, performing routine maintenance, and coordinating with crew members.

Qualifications

• Backhoe operation and earthwork on railroad sites.
• Maintenance and safe operation of equipment.
• Reading plans and diagrams to establish work requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate backhoe and earthwork equipment for railroad projects.
• Perform daily maintenance and keep equipment clean and fueled.
• Read plans/diagrams to establish work requirements and grade standards.
• Coordinate machine actions with crew using signals.
• Travel to project sites and work weekends as needed.
• Lead and assist crew members and train others when required.

Skills

Backhoe operation

Equipment maintenance

Safety awareness

Team communication

Reading plans/instructions

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

Education Required

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.