Heavy Equipment Operator – Dozer, Loader & Excavator

1st Response Rail Service, Inc; Emporia (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

First Response Rail Service, Inc. is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to handle dozers, loaders, and excavators in Emporia, Virginia. The role requires hands-on grading, loading trucks, and material placement with emphasis on safety and independence.

The successful candidate will read site plans, manage stockpiles, and coordinate with truck drivers and crew members, while performing daily inspections and maintenance of equipment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of heavy equipment operating experience with dozers, loaders, and excavators.
• Ability to perform accurate rough and fine grading with a dozer.
• Experience loading trucks and safely moving and stockpiling materials with a loader.
• Experience performing excavation and material placement with an excavator.
• Understanding of soil conditions, compaction, drainage, and road maintenance.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans, grade stakes, and survey markers.
• Knowledge of safe operating practices and equipment limitations.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Dependable attendance and the ability to follow instructions and work independently.
• At least 5 years of heavy equipment operating experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate dozers for rough and fine grading, spreading and leveling materials, site preparation, and road maintenance.
• Operate loaders to load trucks, move materials, manage stockpiles, and maintain organized work areas.
• Operate excavators to dig, excavate, and place materials safely and accurately.
• Perform filling and material placement operations to support proper grading, compaction, and drainage.
• Establish and maintain site roads and equipment access routes.
• Read and follow site plans, grade stakes, and survey markers.
• Complete daily equipment inspections and routine operator maintenance, including checking fluid levels and greasing equipment.
• Report equipment damage, mechanical issues, and unsafe conditions promptly.
• Coordinate equipment movements with supervisors, truck drivers, and ground personnel.
• Follow company safety procedures and maintain awareness of people, vehicles, and surrounding equipment.
• Assist with other site duties as needed.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Reading site plans

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Dependable attendance

Job description

Description

First Response Rail Service, Inc.
RAIL, WASTE & LOGISTICS
Professional solutions. Expert service.

Heavy Equipment Operator – Dozer, Loader & Excavator
Location: Emporia, Virginia

Since 2004, First Response Rail Service, Inc. has been a privately owned company providing rail asset management, transloading logistics, operational support, rail fleet inspections and minor repairs, and intermodal container repair services.

We are seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator whose primary responsibilities will include operating dozers, loaders, and excavators. The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience with grading, excavation, loading trucks, moving and stockpiling materials, and maintaining site access roads.

This position requires safe and efficient equipment operation, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and alongside other crew members.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate dozers for rough and fine grading, spreading and leveling materials, site preparation, and road maintenance.


• Operate loaders to load trucks, move materials, manage stockpiles, and maintain organized work areas.


• Operate excavators to dig, excavate, and place materials safely and accurately.


• Perform filling and material placement operations to support proper grading, compaction, and drainage.


• Establish and maintain site roads and equipment access routes.


• Read and follow site plans, grade stakes, and survey markers.


• Complete daily equipment inspections and routine operator maintenance, including checking fluid levels and greasing equipment.


• Report equipment damage, mechanical issues, and unsafe conditions promptly.


• Coordinate equipment movements with supervisors, truck drivers, and ground personnel.


• Follow company safety procedures and maintain awareness of people, vehicles, and surrounding equipment.


• Assist with other site duties as needed.

Requirements

• Proven experience operating dozers, loaders, and excavators.


• Ability to perform accurate rough and fine grading with a dozer.


• Experience loading trucks and safely moving and stockpiling materials with a loader.


• Experience performing excavation and material placement with an excavator.


• Understanding of soil conditions, compaction, drainage, and road maintenance.


• Ability to read and interpret site plans, grade stakes, and survey markers.


• Knowledge of safe operating practices and equipment limitations.


• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving skills.


• Dependable attendance and the ability to follow instructions and work independently.

Requirements:

• At least 5 years of heavy equipment operating experience, including hands‑on operation of dozers, loaders, and excavators.


• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.


• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds.


• Reliable transportation.


• Availability to work flexible hours, including overtime as needed.

Learn more about our company at www.firstresponserail.com.