CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator – Richmond, VA

Socket.dev; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Class A CDL operator to support railroad rerailing and emergency response in the Richmond, VA area. This hands-on role involves driving, operating heavy equipment, assisting with rerailing, and performing physical labor on site.

Candidates should be comfortable in fast-paced field conditions, willing to work extended hours, and available 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Training and safety compliance are essential components of the job.

Qualifications

• Valid CDL-A required.
• Good driving record.
• Experience in construction labor, industrial work, or another physically demanding environment.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and other machinery.
• Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• Ability to work extended hours and respond to emergency service calls.
• Availability 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Perform DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Drive tractor-trailers to and from work sites and safely transport equipment and materials.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight or oversized equipment.
• Participate in daily safety meetings and review work plans before beginning field activities.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for rerailing and railroad construction activities.
• Assist with train rerailing operations, load adjustment and transfer, railroad car maintenance/repair, track maintenance, track repair, and new track construction.
• Help assemble, inspect, set up, and operate cranes and other heavy equipment.

Job description

CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator – Richmond, VA

Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Location: Richmond, VA
Pay: Starting at $26/hour — higher depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed per week; average 60+ hours with overtime
On-Call: 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays

Position Overview

We are looking for a Class A CDL operator to support railroad rerailing and emergency response operations in the Richmond area. This is a hands-on position where driving is only one part of the job. Most work involves operating heavy equipment, moving materials, assisting with rerailing activities, and performing physical labor at job sites.

Candidates should be comfortable working in fast-paced field conditions, operating different types of construction equipment, and responding to emergency calls as needed.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed each week.
• Average workweek of 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
• Work outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM is paid at time-and-a-half.
• 24/7 on-call availability is required.
• Emergency assignments may occur on weekends and holidays.
• Per diem available for qualifying travel.
• Hotel pay provided for qualifying travel.
• Layover pay may apply when assignments extend beyond scheduled hours.
• When not responding to field emergencies, work may include shop-based safety training, preventive maintenance, and equipment preparation.

Primary Duties

• Perform DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Drive tractor-trailers to and from work sites and safely transport equipment and materials.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight or oversized equipment.
• Participate in daily safety meetings and review work plans before beginning field activities.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for rerailing and railroad construction activities.
• Assist with train rerailing operations, load adjustment and transfer, railroad car maintenance/repair, track maintenance, track repair, and new track construction.
• Help assemble, inspect, set up, and operate cranes and other heavy equipment.
• Operate equipment such as:
  • Cranes
  • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Excavators
  • Front-end loaders
  • Grapple trucks
  • Dump trucks
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractors
  • Skid-steer loaders
  • Assist with rigging operations, including connecting chains, cables, and winches.
  • Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
  • Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe operation and readiness.
  • Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service; report more complex mechanical issues for repair.
  • Assist with crane and equipment disassembly and loading after completing field assignments.
  • Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, components, and supplies.
  • Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.
  • Clean and organize vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
  • Support other departments and job functions when needed.
  • Follow all safety policies, procedures, and applicable DOT requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A).
• Good driving record.
• Experience in construction labor, industrial work, or another physically demanding environment.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and other machinery.
• Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• Ability to work extended hours and respond to emergency service calls.
• Availability 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to perform physical labor and work in changing outdoor conditions.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a crew.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years of heavy equipment operation experience, including:
  • Backhoe
  • Bulldozer
  • Excavator
  • Front-end loader
  • Grapple truck
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractor
  • Skid-steer loader
  • Experience with railroad, rerailing, track maintenance, heavy construction, or related operations.
  • Equivalent combination of training and hands‑on experience may be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check