Rail Recovery Equipment Specialist (CDL-A)

Rail Recovery Equipment Specialist (CDL-A)

Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Rate: Starts at $26.00/Hour can be higher depending on experience

Overview

We are seeking motivated CDL-A professionals to join a specialized field operations team supporting railroad emergency response and infrastructure projects throughout the region.

This role combines commercial driving, equipment operation, and hands-on field work. Team members assist with rail incident recovery, transportation of heavy equipment, railcar support activities, material transfers, and track-related maintenance and construction projects. Candidates should be comfortable working outdoors, traveling when necessary, and responding to urgent situations on short notice.

This is a full-time direct hire opportunity offering excellent overtime potential, travel-related compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Schedule

• Guaranteed 40-hour workweek
• Frequent overtime opportunities (commonly exceeding 60 hours per week)
• Required availability for emergency callouts 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
• Weekend and holiday response work may be required

Pay & Additional Compensation

• Starting wage of $26.00 per hour or higher depending on qualifications
• Overtime paid at time-and-a-half for work performed outside standard weekday hours (Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM)
• Travel per diem
• Company-paid lodging during overnight assignments
• Layover compensation when applicable

Key Responsibilities

Transportation & Mobilization
• Conduct required vehicle and equipment inspections before and after use
• Safely transport equipment, tools, and materials using CDL-A commercial vehicles
• Verify proper load securement and inspect transported equipment
• Confirm compliance with permits related to oversized or overweight loads
Emergency Response & Field Operations
• Participate in job planning discussions and safety meetings before beginning work
• Assist with mobilization and setup activities at project sites
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials needed for field operations
• Support rail recovery efforts, material transfer projects, and track-related construction activities
• Help restore work areas and secure equipment for transport upon project completion
Equipment & Technical Support
• Assist with setup, inspection, operation, and teardown of cranes and specialized equipment
• Support rigging operations involving chains, slings, cables, and winches
• Operate heavy machinery when qualified, including:
  • Cranes
  • Excavators
  • Backhoes
  • Dump trucks
  • Grapple trucks
  • Additional construction and lifting equipment
  • Utilize hydraulic systems, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools during assignments
  Maintenance & Readiness
  • Monitor equipment condition to maintain operational readiness
  • Perform routine servicing and document maintenance activities
  • Report significant repair needs to supervisory personnel
  • Assist with equipment breakdown, loading, and transport at project completion
  • Replenish vehicles and equipment with necessary supplies and replacement parts
  • Sort and organize reusable materials and scrap after assignments
  Safety & Team Support
  • • Follow all company safety requirements and operational procedures
    • Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas
    • Demonstrate flexibility in supporting other operational teams when needed
    • Work professionally and safely around coworkers, equipment, and active job sites

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A)
• Acceptable driving history
• Previous experience in construction, industrial labor, heavy civil work, or another physically demanding environment
• Ability to successfully complete required qualification, safety, and training programs
• Willingness to remain available for emergency response assignments on a 24/7 basis

Preferred Experience

• Three or more years of experience operating heavy equipment
• Experience with machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, tractors, skid steers, or rail-related equipment
• Experience working in transportation, railroad, construction, recovery, or infrastructure environments is highly valued

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Pre-Employment drug screen
• Background check

Benefits:

401(k) matching
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off