Railroad CDL Operator – Richmond, VA

Socket.dev; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Per diem for assignments

Hotel pay for travel

Layover pay

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Class A CDL operator in Richmond, VA to support railroad field operations. The role combines driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling and construction support with a full benefits package.

Expect 40 hours guaranteed weekly with overtime opportunities, 24/7 on-call for emergencies, and regular hours Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM. Starting pay is $26/hour, with higher rates based on experience.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Class A CDL and maintain a good driving record.
• Experience performing construction labor or similar physically demanding work.
• Must be able to complete required qualification tests and safety programs.
• Must be available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, for emergency service calls.
• Ability to work safely in physically demanding field environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Drive tractor-trailers between home base and job sites and inspect loads.
• Assist with railroad field operations, including rerailing, maintenance, and construction tasks.
• Operate heavy equipment when qualified and assist with crane assembly, setup, and operation.
• Maintain equipment and keep work areas clean and organized; report complex issues to supervisors.

Skills

CDL Class A

Good driving record

Construction labor experience

Qualification tests & safety programs

24/7 availability

Safety in field environments

Job description

Railroad CDL Operator – Richmond, VA

Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Location: Richmond, VA
Starting Pay: $26/hour — higher depending on experience
Benefits: Full benefits package

Position Summary

We are looking for a Class A CDL operator to support railroad field operations throughout the region. This position combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, and hands-on railroad construction support.

The work may include emergency derailment response, rerailing, railroad car maintenance and repair, load adjustment or transfer, track repair, maintenance, and new track construction.

Schedule & Pay

• 40 hours guaranteed each week
• Average of 60+ hours per week, including overtime
• 24/7 on-call responsibility for emergency response
• Regular hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Hours outside the regular schedule are paid at time and a half
• Per diem for qualifying assignments
• Hotel pay for travel
• Layover pay when applicable

What You'll Do

Driving & Transportation

• Perform DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Drive tractor-trailers between the home base and job sites.
• Inspect transported machinery, materials, and loads before and during travel.
• Confirm transportation permits and verify requirements for overweight and oversized loads.
• Safely load, secure, transport, unload, and stage equipment and materials.

Railroad & Field Operations

• Participate in daily work planning and safety meetings before field activities begin.
• Support rerailing and derailment recovery operations.
• Assist with railroad car maintenance and repair.
• Support load adjustment and transfer work.
• Assist with track maintenance, repairs, grading, and new track construction.
• Prepare equipment and materials for each assignment and help clean and secure the work site when work is completed.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, and operation.
• Help rig equipment using chains, cables, and winches during derailment and rerailing work.
• Operate equipment safely while remaining aware of coworkers, vehicles, and surrounding conditions.

Heavy Equipment & Tools

Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including:

• Cranes
• Backhoes
• Grapple trucks
• Dump trucks
• Excavators
• Bulldozers
• Front-end loaders
• Rail-bound equipment
• Tractors
• Skid-steer loaders

Use a variety of tools and equipment, including:

• Hydraulic tools
• Welding equipment
• Cutting torches
• Electrical tools
• Common hand tools

Equipment Maintenance & Jobsite Support

• Monitor trucks, vehicles, and equipment to help prevent downtime and maintain readiness.
• Perform and document minor vehicle and equipment service.
• Report more complex mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
• Assist with equipment and crane disassembly and loading after assignments.
• Return vehicles and equipment to the home base properly stocked with required parts, components, and supplies.
• Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.
• Keep vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas clean, organized, and free of debris.
• Maintain equipment and work areas to established quality and workmanship standards.
• Assist other departments or divisions when needed to meet operational requirements.
• Follow all applicable safety policies, procedures, and regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Good driving record
• Experience performing construction labor or similar physically demanding work
• Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs
• Must be available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, for emergency service calls
• Ability to work safely in physically demanding field environments

Preferred Experience

3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including one or more of the following:

• Backhoe
• Bulldozer
• Excavator
• Front-end loader
• Grapple truck
• Rail-bound equipment
• Tractor
• Skid-steer loader

An equivalent combination of training and experience may also be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check