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