CDL-A Driver – Railroad Heavy Equipment Operator

Socket.dev; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 74,501,000 - 99,187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay

Per diem

Hotel pay for travel

Layover pay

Emergency response availability

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Class A CDL Driver to transport and operate heavy equipment for railroad emergency response and construction. The role mixes commercial driving, equipment operation, and material handling on active track sites.

Responsibilities include inspections, load handling, and rigging with cranes and other heavy equipment. This position requires 24/7 availability, including weekends and holidays, and offers significant overtime with hourly pay of $26.00 plus overtime.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid CDL-A license and good driving record.
• Willingness to work 24/7 emergency response including weekends/holidays.
• Experience in construction labor or physically demanding roles is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections per DOT regulations.
• Drive tractor-trailers to work sites and inspect loads/equipment.
• Verify permits for overweight/oversize loads.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, and disassembly.
• Operate cranes, backhoes, dump trucks, excavators and other equipment as qualified.
• Support rerailing, load transfer, track maintenance, and railroad construction activities.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding/cutting torches, and hand tools.
• Maintain readiness of vehicles/equipment and report issues.

Skills

CDL-A license

Overtime handling

Safety compliance

Equipment operation

Education

CDL-A Class A License

Job description

CDL-A Driver – Railroad Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour; higher pay available based on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly | Average 60+ hours/week including overtime
Availability: 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays

Position Overview

Seeking a Class A CDL Driver to transport and operate heavy equipment in support of railroad emergency response and construction activities, including train derailment recovery, rerailing, load transfer, track maintenance, and repair.

The role combines commercial driving, equipment operation, material handling, and hands‑on field work. Equipment operation is based on qualifications and training.

Compensation

• Starting pay of $26.00/hour
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a‑half overtime rates.
• Per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay may also apply.
• Significant overtime available; combined regular and overtime hours average 60+ hours/week.

Responsibilities

• Complete pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT regulations and required procedures.
• Drive tractor‑trailers to and from work sites and inspect transported loads and equipment.
• Verify transportation permits for overweight and oversize loads.
• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.
• Load, unload, stage, and transport equipment and materials for rerailing, load transfer, and track work.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, and disassembly.
• Perform rigging and connect chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery.
• Operate qualified equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front‑end loaders, rail‑bound equipment, tractors, and skid‑steer loaders.
• Support specialty lifting, rerailing, load transfer, grading, track maintenance/repair, and railroad construction activities.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding and cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor vehicles and equipment to maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.
• Perform and document minor equipment/vehicle service and report more complex mechanical issues for repair.
• Reload equipment and materials following job completion and assist with site cleanup.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, supplies, and components.
• Sort and properly dispose of scrap materials.
• Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
• Follow all required safety policies and procedures.
• Assist other departments or divisions as needed.

Requirements

• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding role.
• Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• 24/7 availability for emergency service calls, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in active field and railroad environments.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years of heavy equipment operation, including experience with:
  • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Excavators
  • Front‑end loaders
  • Grapple trucks
  • Rail‑bound equipment
  • Tractors
  • Skid‑steer loaders
  • Equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screen
• Background check