Equipment Operator

North American Rail Solutions; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

North American Rail Solutions is seeking an Equipment Operator to perform essential earthwork for railroad construction and maintenance projects in Knoxville, TN. This hourly craft role includes training to operate on-track equipment and requires readiness for travel and occasional weekend work.

You will set up and operate heavy equipment, coordinate with crew members, and help ensure safety and quality on every job, with opportunities to advance through hands-on training and field experience.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum of one year operating a backhoe; railroad construction experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required; pre-employment background and drug screening.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions around heavy equipment.

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.

Skills

Communication skills

Safety awareness

Ability to follow instructions

Team coordination

Problem-solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

North American Rail Solutions (NARS) is seeking a skilled Equipment Operator to perform essential earthwork for railroad construction and maintenance projects. This hourly craft position also includes training to operate specialized on-track equipment. 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

Thank you for your interest in this position and for taking the time to apply. We appreciate your patience as we review all applications. While we will provide updates as soon as they are available, please note that we may not be able to respond to all applicants individually.