Railroad CDL-A Equipment Specialist

Socket.dev; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a CDL-A driver with heavy equipment experience to support railroad field operations and emergency derailment response. This role involves operating multiple heavy vehicles, performing safety inspections, and assisting with re-railing, car maintenance, and track construction.

The position requires 24/7 emergency availability, a good driving record, and the ability to work in a live field environment.

Qualifications

• Valid CDL-A and a good driving record.
• Construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience.
• Availability for 24/7 emergency response.
• Ability to work safely in an active field environment.
• Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.

Responsibilities

• Perform DOT-required pre- and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Drive tractor-trailers to and from work sites and safely transport equipment and materials.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for oversize and overweight equipment.
• Participate in daily job planning and safety meetings.
• Load, unload, stage, secure, and transport equipment and materials.
• Support train derailment recovery and re-railing operations.
• Assist with railroad car maintenance/repair, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, repairs, new builds, and grading.
• Help assemble, inspect, rig, and operate cranes and other equipment.
• Connect and work with chains, cables, and winches during derailment operations.
• Operate equipment including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe and reliable operation.
• Perform and document minor maintenance and report more complex mechanical issues.
• Assist with crane and equipment disassembly and loading after assignments.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies.
• Sort scrap materials and maintain organized work areas.
• Keep vehicles, equipment, and job sites clean and properly maintained.
• Follow all required safety procedures and remain aware of coworkers and surroundings.
• Assist other departments or teams as needed

Skills

CDL-A driver

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

DOT inspections

Overtime readiness

Job description

Railroad CDL-A Equipment Specialist

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Location: Regional Field Operations

Starting Pay: $26/hour — higher pay available based on experience

Benefits: Full benefits package

Position Overview

Seeking a CDL-A driver with heavy equipment experience to support railroad field operations and emergency derailment response. This role combines commercial vehicle operation, heavy equipment use, material handling, and hands-on railroad construction work.

Employees may assist with re-railing, railroad car repairs, load transfers, track maintenance, track construction, grading, and specialty lifting while maintaining a strong focus on safety and equipment readiness.

Schedule & Pay

• 40 hours guaranteed per week
• Regular and overtime hours average 60+ hours per week
• 24/7 on-call rotation for emergency response, including weekends and holidays
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half
• Per diem for qualifying assignments
• Hotel expenses provided for travel
• Layover pay when applicable

What You'll Do

• Perform DOT-required pre- and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment
• Drive tractor-trailers to and from work sites and safely transport equipment and materials
• Inspect loads and verify permits for oversize and overweight equipment
• Participate in daily job planning and safety meetings
• Load, unload, stage, secure, and transport equipment and materials
• Support train derailment recovery and re-railing operations
• Assist with railroad car maintenance/repair, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, repairs, new builds, and grading
• Help assemble, inspect, rig, and operate cranes and other equipment
• Connect and work with chains, cables, and winches during derailment operations
• Operate equipment including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools
• Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe and reliable operation
• Perform and document minor maintenance and report more complex mechanical issues
• Assist with crane and equipment disassembly and loading after assignments
• Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies
• Sort scrap materials and maintain organized work areas
• Keep vehicles, equipment, and job sites clean and properly maintained
• Follow all required safety procedures and remain aware of coworkers and surroundings
• Assist other departments or teams as needed

Requirements

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A)
• Good driving record
• Construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience
• Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs
• Availability for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays
• Ability to work safely in an active field environment

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years of heavy equipment operation, including:
  • Backhoe
  • Bulldozer
  • Excavator
  • Front-end loader
  • Grapple truck
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractor
  • Skid-steer loader
  • Equivalent combination of training and experience will also be considered

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check