Heavy Equipment Operator - Nationwide Travel

Road & Rail Services; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company/m

Paid holidays and vacation

Annual boot allowance

PPE provided

Training and professional skill dev

Advance opportunities

Veteran-friendly workplace

Promote-from-within culture

Job summary

Road & Rail Services, based in Frankfort, Kentucky, seeks an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad track construction and maintenance nationwide. Position involves continuous travel with no local-home daily options, working outdoors with large equipment and a strong emphasis on safety and reliability of railroad infrastructure.

The operator will work with track maintenance crews in active railroad environments, requiring MOW experience, dependable attendance, and a commitment

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of railroad track maintenance or Maintenance of Way experience.
• Experience as Heavy Equipment Operator on railroad/track/industrial construction sites.
• Experience operating equipment in railroad environments.
• Knowledge of FRA safety requirements for job sites.
• Valid state driver's license.
• Willingness to travel 100% nationwide.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Physical ability to lift, bend, climb, stand, and walk on uneven surfaces.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience with tampers/regulators or similar railroad equipment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate backhoes, excavators, loaders and other heavy equipment.
• Operate rail-specific machines when qualified.
• Support track installation, maintenance and repair projects.
• Remove and replace track components and materials.
• Assist with surfacing, alignment, grading and stabilization.
• Identify track defects and safety issues on site.
• Inspect equipment and report maintenance needs.
• Load and organize project materials.
• Work near active tracks and moving equipment.
• Coordinate with supervisors to complete tasks.
• Adhere to safety requirements of company, customers, and FRA.
• Keep work areas clean, organized and safe.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Maintenance of Way

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Travel readiness

Tools

Railroad tampers/regulators

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Track Maintenance

Home Base: Frankfort, Kentucky
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Travel: 100% Nationwide Travel
Job Type: Full-Time

Take Your Heavy Equipment Experience Nationwide

Road & Rail Services is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad track construction and maintenance projects throughout the United States. Although this position is based out of Frankfort, Kentucky, it requires continuous nationwide travel.

This is not a local or home-daily opportunity. The Heavy Equipment Operator will travel between project locations and should expect to remain away from home for extended periods. This position is ideal for an experienced railroad professional who enjoys working outdoors, operating large equipment, and contributing to the safety and reliability of railroad infrastructure.

The Heavy Equipment Operator will work alongside track maintenance crews in active railroad environments. Success requires strong equipment operating skills, Maintenance of Way experience, dependable attendance, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

Heavy Equipment Operator Responsibilities

• Operate backhoes, excavators, loaders, and other heavy construction equipment
• Operate tampers, regulators, and rail-specific machinery when qualified
• Support railroad track installation, maintenance, and repair projects
• Remove and replace railroad ties, rail components, and track materials
• Assist with track surfacing, alignment, grading, and stabilization
• Identify track defects, equipment concerns, and unsafe job-site conditions
• Inspect heavy equipment before use and report maintenance or repair needs
• Load, unload, move, and organize project materials
• Work near active tracks, moving equipment, and other railroad operations
• Coordinate with supervisors and crew members to complete assignments
• Follow company, customer, and Federal Railroad Administration safety requirements
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area

Required Qualifications

• At least two years of railroad track maintenance or Maintenance of Way experience
• Previous experience working as a Heavy Equipment Operator
• Experience operating equipment in a railroad, track, or industrial construction environment
• Knowledge of railroad job-site safety and FRA requirements
• A valid state-issued driver's license
• The ability and willingness to travel 100% nationwide
• The flexibility to remain away from home for extended assignments
• The ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, and changing weather
• The physical ability to lift, bend, climb, stand, walk, and work on uneven surfaces
• Strong communication, teamwork, and job-site awareness
• Experience operating tampers, regulators, or other specialized railroad equipment is preferred. Previous employment with a Class I, short-line railroad, railroad contractor, or track construction company is also valuable.

Travel and Work Conditions

This is a 100% travel position based out of Frankfort, Kentucky. Projects may be located in multiple states, and schedules will vary according to customer and operational needs. Employees must be prepared to travel continuously and work in physically demanding outdoor railroad environments.

Benefits

• Pay of $25.00 per hour
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Annual steel-toe boot allowance
• Company-provided personal protective equipmentTraining and professional skill development
> Advance opportunities
• A veteran-friendly workplace
• A promote-from-within culture

Road & Rail Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.