Emergency Rail Operations Technician (CDL-A)

Emergency Rail Operations Technician (CDL-A)

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

Position Overview

We are currently seeking dependable and safety-focused Emergency Rail Operations Technicians to support transportation, equipment operation, and field services related to railroad infrastructure and incident response activities.

This position combines CDL-A driving responsibilities with hands-on field work, including equipment mobilization, track-related projects, heavy equipment operation, and emergency response assignments. Successful candidates must be comfortable working outdoors, traveling when required, and responding to time-sensitive situations at all hours.

This is a full-time direct hire opportunity offering competitive pay, extensive overtime opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Schedule & Availability

• Guaranteed 40 hours per week
• Overtime opportunities frequently available (average 60+ hours per week)
• Must be available for emergency callouts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays

Compensation & Travel Benefits

• Starting wage of $26.00 per hour or higher, based on qualifications and experience
• Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked outside the standard Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule
• Per diem provided during qualifying travel assignments
• Hotel accommodations covered when traveling
• Layover compensation available when applicable

Essential Responsibilities

Transportation & Equipment Logistics

• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections on commercial vehicles, trailers, and equipment
• Transport equipment, materials, and machinery to project sites using CDL-A vehicles
• Inspect loads and verify securement prior to transport
• Review and verify permits associated with oversized or overweight loads

Field Operations

• Participate in daily job planning meetings and safety briefings
• Assist with equipment staging, loading, unloading, and site setup activities
• Support rail-related recovery operations, material transfers, and track construction or maintenance projects
• Secure equipment and materials following completion of assignments
• Assist with site cleanup and restoration efforts

Equipment Operation & Support

• Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including:
  • Excavators
  • Backhoes
  • Cranes
  • Dump trucks
  • Grapple trucks
  • Skid steers
  • Additional construction and specialty equipment
  • Assist with crane setup, inspection, assembly, and teardown activities
  • Support rigging operations utilizing chains, cables, slings, and winches
  • Utilize hydraulic, electrical, welding, cutting, and hand tools as required

  Maintenance & Safety

  • • Monitor equipment condition and operational readiness
    • Perform basic preventive maintenance and document completed work
    • Report mechanical concerns requiring advanced repairs
    • Replenish vehicles and equipment with necessary tools, parts, and supplies
    • Maintain organized workspaces, equipment, and vehicles
    • Follow all company safety procedures, operational standards, and regulatory requirements
    • Assist other departments and project teams as business needs require

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A)
• Safe driving history and ability to meet company driving standards
• Experience performing physically demanding work in construction, industrial, transportation, or similar environments
• Ability to successfully complete required training, certification programs, and qualification testing
• Willingness to respond to emergency callouts on a 24/7 basis

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Three or more years of heavy equipment operating experience
• Experience operating equipment such as excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, tractors, skid steers, or similar machinery
• Previous railroad, rail maintenance, track construction, or recovery operation experience is highly desirable

Pre-Employment Requirements

Benefits: