CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Field Operations

Qualdoc; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem

Hotel pay for travel

Layover pay

Job summary

Qualdoc is seeking a Class A CDL Heavy Equipment Operator to perform regional railroad recovery and construction tasks. The role blends commercial driving with heavy equipment operation and field support for track projects.

You will conduct DOT inspections, operate cranes and heavy machinery, assist with rerailing and railcar work, and participate in safety briefings. A willingness to work 24/7 shifts is required and overtime, per diem, and travel pay may apply.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of heavy equipment operation
• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug screen and background check
• 24/7 availability for emergency service calls

Responsibilities

• Complete DOT-compliant pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and safely transport equipment and materials.
• Inspect transported loads and verify permits for overweight and oversized equipment.
• Participate in daily job planning and required safety briefings.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for field operations.
• Support rerailing operations, railcar maintenance/repair, load adjustment and transfer, and track maintenance, repair, and new construction.
• Assist with the setup, inspection, assembly, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.
• Assist with rigging and connecting chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery work.
• Operate equipment when qualified, including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.
• Perform work associated with specialty lifting, rerailing, load transfers, grading, and railroad construction.
• Monitor vehicles and equipment for operating issues and help maintain readiness.
• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service; report more complex mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.

Job description

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Field Operations

Job Type:Full-Time Hire with Benefits
Schedule:40 hours guaranteed weekly; significant overtime, with an average of 60+ combined regular and overtime hours per week
Availability:24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays
Pay:Starting at $26/hour; higher starting rates may be available based on experience. Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half. Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.

Position Summary

We are seeking aClass A CDL Heavy Equipment Operatorfor regional field work supporting railroad recovery and construction activities. The role combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, and hands-on field support.

Responsibilities may include railroad rerailing, railcar maintenance and repair, load adjustment or transfer, track maintenance, track repair, grading, and new construction.

• Complete DOT-compliant pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and safely transport equipment and materials.
• Inspect transported loads and verify permits for overweight and oversized equipment.
• Participate in daily job planning and required safety briefings.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for field operations.
• Supportrerailing operations, railcar maintenance/repair, load adjustment and transfer, and track maintenance, repair, and new construction.
• Assist with the setup, inspection, assembly, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.
• Assist with rigging and connectingchains, cables, and winchesduring derailment recovery work.
• Operate equipment when qualified, includingcranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.
• Perform work associated with specialty lifting, rerailing, load transfers, grading, and railroad construction.
• Usehydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor vehicles and equipment for operating issues and help maintain readiness.
• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service; report more complex mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
• Assist with equipment disassembly and loading when assignments are complete.
• Reload equipment and materials and help restore the job site to an orderly condition.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, components, and supplies after returning to the home base.
• Sort and properly place scrap materials.
• Keep vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas clean, organized, and free of debris.
• Follow all applicable safety policies, procedures, and operating requirements.
• Provide support to other departments or divisions as needed.

• ValidClass A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding field role.
• Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs.
• Ability to remain available24/7 for emergency service calls, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

• 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.