Machine Operator

Florida East Coast Railway; Florida; On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida East Coast Railway is seeking a Machine Operator to support track maintenance and construction with a safety-first approach. The role starts with two weeks of paid training in New Smyrna Beach, FL, before returning to the home gang for on-the-job training.

An overnight shift (2000-0700, Sun-Wed) is required, with CDL Class B and a valid license. Starting pay is $27.16/hr, increasing to $32.45/hr after qualification.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, plus 1–3 months related experience or training.
• Must possess CDL Class B and valid credentials per federal/state laws.
• Complete annual safety and track worker rule exams; operate railway highway motor vehicles; obtain FRA certifications.

Responsibilities

• Operate track maintenance equipment (backhoe, front-end loader, ballast regulator, rubber-tired equipment) within a crew.
• Load, unload, and move materials and equipment as directed.
• Assist other crew members and adhere to FEC Safety Policies at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Skills

CDL Class B

Safety orientation

Reading/writing reports

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Track maintenance equipment

Job description

Under the supervision and direction of a Track Supervisor, or other assigned employee, the Machine Operator will utilize assigned equipment in the company fleet in order to support the maintenance, repair, and construction of tracks and right of way with a “safety first” focus.
Start date scheduled for November 9, 2026. Paid training will commence in New Smyrna Beach, Florida for two (2) weeks; thereafter, new hire Machine Operator will return to their home Gang (Line of Road) for on-the-job training.

• Overnight shift 2000-0700, Sunday - Wednesday
• CDL A required
• Starting pay is $27.16/hr. After qualification goes up to full pay at $32.45
• Line of Road
• Operates track maintenance equipment (backhoe, front-end loader, ballast regulator, etc. rubber-tired speed swing) to perform related maintenance while working as a member of a work crew.
• Loading, unloading, and general handling of materials and equipment as instructed.
• Assisting other employees as requested
• Adhere to all FEC Safety Policies and Procedures at all times.
• Other duties or tasks as assigned by manager.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk, hear or smell.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 100 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
• Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
• Exposure to extreme heat and outdoor weather conditions daily.
• Occasionally exposed to high, precarious places
• Prolonged exposure to loud noises

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and valid credentials required by federal and state laws, including CDL Class B.
• Complete annual training and pass safety and track worker rules examinations.
• Will be required to operate railway highway motor vehicles.
• Must be capable of operating all FEC Maintenance of Way vehicles in its fleet, both manual and automatic, and must qualify and secure motor car maintainer permit.
• Upon employment, new hire must successfully complete and pass all FEC Rules Classes Safety, Operating, and Roadway Worker. Must complete all requirements to obtain FRA A & B certifications and pass test within 30 working days.

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Experience working on high-speed tamper