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