Equipment Operator – Railroad Maintenance

Road & Rail Services; Medley (FL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental & Vision

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Boot allowance

PPE provided

Training & development

Promote from within

Veteran-friendly workplace

Job summary

Road & Rail Services is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our railroad track maintenance team in the Miami/Medley, FL area. Operation of backhoes, excavators, loaders, and related equipment will be required, along with supporting track construction and repair tasks.

This full-time, on-site role involves physical labor, safety compliance, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of hands-on heavy equipment operating experience in construction, excavation, industrial, or similar environments.
• Experience operating backhoes, excavators, loaders, or comparable construction machinery.
• Ability to safely operate equipment in confined or active industrial work areas.
• Strong understanding of equipment safety, inspections, and jobsite hazards.
• Ability to follow instructions, communicate with crew members, and work independently.
• Willingness to perform physical labor when not operating equipment.
• Dependable attendance and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate backhoes, excavators, loaders, and other assigned heavy machinery.
• Perform excavation, grading, trenching, and material-handling activities.
• Move, position, and load railroad ties, rail components, ballast, and construction materials.
• Assist with equipment positioning during railroad track repair projects.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and identify mechanical or safety concerns.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance and report necessary repairs.
• Safely operate machinery around railroad tracks, personnel, and industrial equipment.
• Assist with removing and replacing railroad ties and damaged track components.
• Support rail installation, alignment, surfacing, and general track repairs.
• Help maintain railroad ballast, drainage areas, and track foundations.
• Use hand tools, power tools, and specialized railroad maintenance equipment.
• Follow FRA requirements and company safety procedures.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Backhoes

Excavators

Loaders

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Tools

Railroad maintenance equipment

Railroad tampers

Ballast regulators

PPE equipment

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Maintenance

Road & Rail Services
Location: Miami / Medley, FL
Pay: $22.00–$25.00 per hour, based on experience
Job Type: Full-Time | On-Site

Put Your Heavy Equipment Experience to Work in the Railroad Industry!

Road & Rail Services is looking for an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our railroad track maintenance team in the Miami / Medley, Florida area.

If you have a strong background operating backhoes, excavators, front-end loaders, or other construction equipment, this is an opportunity to use your skills in a specialized industry while building a long-term career.

We are seeking operators who are confident working around heavy machinery, understand construction site safety, and can perform precision equipment work in demanding outdoor environments.

Railroad experience is preferred but not required. We are interested in candidates with strong backgrounds in excavation, road construction, utilities, site development, industrial maintenance, and other heavy equipment operations.

This is a working equipment operator position. In addition to operating machinery, you will assist the track maintenance crew with physical labor, equipment inspections, and railroad repair projects.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will support railroad track construction, maintenance, and repair activities.

Heavy Equipment Operation

Operate backhoes, excavators, front-end loaders, and other assigned heavy machinery.

Perform excavation, grading, trenching, and material-handling activities.

Move, position, and load railroad ties, rail components, ballast, and construction materials.

Assist with equipment positioning during railroad track repair projects.

Conduct daily equipment inspections and identify mechanical or safety concerns.

Perform basic equipment maintenance and report necessary repairs.

Safely operate machinery around railroad tracks, personnel, and industrial equipment.

Railroad Track Maintenance

Assist with removing and replacing railroad ties and damaged track components.

Support rail installation, alignment, surfacing, and general track repairs.

Help maintain railroad ballast, drainage areas, and track foundations.

Use hand tools, power tools, and specialized railroad maintenance equipment.

Assist with loading, unloading, and staging tools and materials.

Support track maintenance activities when equipment operation is not required.

Follow applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements and company safety procedures.

Work with crew members to complete assigned projects safely and efficiently.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications:

Minimum 4 years of hands‑on heavy equipment operating experience in construction, excavation, industrial, or similar environments.

Experience operating backhoes, excavators, loaders, or comparable construction machinery.

Ability to safely operate equipment in confined or active industrial work areas.

Strong understanding of equipment safety, inspections, and jobsite hazards.

Ability to follow instructions, communicate with crew members, and work independently.

Willingness to perform physical labor when not operating equipment.

Dependable attendance and a strong work ethic.

Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Preferred Experience:

Railroad track maintenance or Maintenance of Way (MOW).

Operating railroad tampers, ballast regulators, or other track maintenance equipment.

Civil construction, utility installation, roadwork, or site preparation.

Equipment troubleshooting, mechanical maintenance, or minor repairs.

Familiarity with railroad safety procedures and FRA regulations.

Candidates with extensive construction equipment experience are encouraged to apply, even without previous railroad experience.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

This is a physically active position that involves working outdoors around railroad tracks, heavy machinery, and construction equipment.

Candidates must be able to:

Work in Florida heat, humidity, rain, dust, and other outdoor conditions.

Stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and climb throughout the workday.

Safely navigate uneven terrain, railroad ballast, and construction areas.

Climb onto and off heavy equipment throughout the shift.

Lift and handle tools, materials, and equipment as required.

Wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Work additional hours or weekends when operational needs require.

Pay & Benefits

Hourly Pay: $22.00–$25.00

Compensation is based on previous heavy equipment experience, qualifications, and relevant railroad maintenance skills.

Road & Rail Services offers eligible full‑time employees:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Paid vacation and holidays.

Annual steel‑toe boot allowance.

Company‑provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Hands‑on training with specialized railroad equipment.

Career development and advancement opportunities.

A promote‑from‑within company culture.

Veteran‑friendly workplace.

Build a Career Beyond Traditional Construction

Since 1987, Road & Rail Services has provided railroad maintenance, industrial support, and specialized logistics services throughout North America.

Our track maintenance crews help keep railroad infrastructure operating safely and efficiently. We value skilled operators who understand the importance of equipment care, precision work, teamwork, and safe operating practices.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced backhoe operator, excavator operator, construction equipment operator, or heavy equipment operator looking to transition into railroad maintenance.

Road & Rail Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This job requires a background check and drug screen.