Railroad Heavy Equipment Operator

Civil Works Contracting; Wilmington (NC); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Civil Works Contracting in Wilmington, NC, is seeking a Railroad Heavy Equipment Operator to safely operate and maintain heavy equipment for railway construction, maintenance, and repair. The role emphasizes safety and experience with rail or related industrial environments.

Responsible for operating multiple machines, transporting rails and materials, performing safety checks, and collaborating with the crew on projects and emergency repairs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license; CDL preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of heavy equipment experience, preferably in railroad/industrial setting.
• Knowledge of safe operating procedures and railroad safety regulations.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather, nights, weekends, holidays.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators, backhoes, cranes, loaders, and track machines.
• Transport, position, and align rails, ties, ballast, and materials.
• Inspect and perform routine checks and preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Collaborate with crew to complete scheduled rail projects and emergency repairs.
• Document equipment usage, maintenance, and incidents.
• Report defects or safety issues promptly.
• Participate in safety briefings and trainings.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Railroad safety procedures

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Heavy equipment certification

OSHA/FRA safety certifications

Job description

Job Overview

We are seeking a diligent, safety-minded Railroad Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. In this role, you will safely operate and maintain various types of heavy equipment used in railway construction, maintenance, and repair. The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong commitment to safety procedures and is experienced with heavy machinery in a rail or related industrial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of heavy equipment such as excavators, backhoes, cranes, loaders, and track machines according to company and industry safety standards.
• Transport, position, and align rails, ties, ballast, and other materials for railway construction and maintenance.
• Inspect and perform routine checks and preventive maintenance on equipment to ensure operational efficiency and safety.
• Work collaboratively with crew members to accomplish scheduled rail projects and emergency repairs.
• Adhere strictly to all railroad safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Document equipment usage, maintenance, and incidents accurately.
• Report defects, safety issues, or needed repairs promptly to supervisors.
• Participate in safety briefings, company meetings, and required training sessions.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license (commercial driver’s license preferred).
• Minimum 2 years of experience operating heavy equipment, preferably in a railroad or industrial setting.
• Knowledge of safe heavy equipment operating procedures and railroad safety regulations.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand, walk, and perform manual labor as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of Heavy Equipment Operator certification or a related technical training program.
• OSHA, FRA, or equivalent safety certifications.
• Previous railroad industry experience.
• Experience with welding, basic electrical, or mechanical repair skills.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and mechanical aptitude.
• Strong attention to detail and situational awareness.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
• Self-motivated with a commitment to safety and compliance.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources at
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
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