CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator – Richmond, VA

Qualdoc; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

Qualdoc is seeking a Class A CDL operator for railroad field operations based in Richmond, VA. This hands‑on role combines driving, heavy equipment use, and physical labor across derailment response, rerailing, track work, and site activities.

Responsibilities include inspections, equipment transport, load verification, safety briefings, and crane operations. The position offers a full benefits package and requires availability for 24/7 on‑call shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction, equipment operation, or other physically demanding work.
• Ability to complete required training, qualification, and safety programs.
• Ability to work in an on‑call environment and respond to emergency assignments 24/7.

Responsibilities

• Perform DOT‑compliant pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Transport equipment and materials to and from railroad work sites using tractor‑trailers.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight or oversized equipment.
• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for rerailing, load transfers, and track projects.
• Assist with railroad derailment response, rerailing, track maintenance, repairs, and new construction.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, and teardown.
• Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front‑end loaders, rail‑bound equipment, tractors, and skid steers when qualified.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe and reliable operation.
• Perform and document minor equipment/vehicle servicing and report larger mechanical issues.
• Reload and secure equipment following field assignments.
• Restock parts, components, and supplies and organize scrap materials at the home location.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.
• Follow all safety procedures and assist other departments as needed.

Skills

CDL-A License

Heavy equipment operation

Safety compliance

Job description

CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator - Richmond, VA

Location: Richmond, VA

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Starting Pay: $26/hour — higher depending on experience

Benefits: Full benefits package

Position Overview

Seeking a Class A CDL operator for railroad field operations, including derailment response, equipment transportation, rerailing, track work, and related site activities. This is a hands‑on position that combines driving, heavy equipment operation, and physical labor.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week
• Average 60+ hours per week, with additional overtime as needed
• 24/7 on‑call availability, including weekends and holidays
• Hours worked outside Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x
• Per diem for qualifying assignments
• Hotel/travel pay and layover pay when applicable

Key Responsibilities

• Perform DOT‑compliant pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment
• Transport equipment and materials to and from railroad work sites using tractor‑trailers
• Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight or oversized equipment
• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for rerailing, load transfers, and track projects
• Assist with railroad derailment response, rerailing, track maintenance, repairs, and new construction
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, and teardown
• Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches
• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front‑end loaders, rail‑bound equipment, tractors, and skid steers when qualified
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools
• Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe and reliable operation
• Perform and document minor equipment/vehicle servicing and report larger mechanical issues
• Reload and secure equipment following field assignments
• Restock parts, components, and supplies and organize scrap materials at the home location
• Maintain clean, organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment
• Follow all safety procedures and assist other departments as needed

Requirements

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record
• Experience in construction, equipment operation, or other physically demanding work
• Ability to complete required training, qualification, and safety programs
• Ability to work in an on‑call environment and respond to emergency assignments 24/7, including weekends and holidays
• Ability to perform physical labor and work safely around heavy equipment and railroad operations

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years operating heavy equipment such as:
• Backhoes
• Bulldozers
• Excavators
• Front‑end loaders
• Grapple trucks
• Rail‑bound equipment
• Tractors
• Skid‑steer loaders
• Equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered

Pre‑Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.