The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating an excavator to load, move, and handle railroad ties and related materials into rail cars, trucks, or designated staging areas. This position works as part of a railroad construction or maintenance crew and must maintain constant awareness of personnel, rail traffic, equipment, and job-site conditions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Safely operate excavators and other assigned heavy equipment.
- Load and place railroad ties into rail cars, trucks, or designated areas using an excavator.
- Move, sort, stage, and handle railroad ties and other railroad materials as directed.
- Position equipment safely for loading and unloading operations.
- Maintain proper communication with the Foreman, ground personnel, and other crew members.
- Follow hand signals, radio communications, and established job-site procedures.
- Inspect equipment before and after each shift and report any mechanical issues or safety concerns.
- Perform routine equipment maintenance, including fueling, greasing, cleaning, and basic inspections as required.
- Maintain safe clearances from employees, rail cars, trains, structures, utilities, and other equipment.
- Operate equipment within manufacturer specifications and project requirements.
- Assist with general railroad construction and maintenance activities when needed.
- Maintain a clean and organized work area.
- Immediately report accidents, injuries, near misses, equipment damage, or unsafe conditions.
- Follow all company, railroad, OSHA, FRA, and project-specific safety requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Foreman or Superintendent.
Qualifications
- Previous experience operating an excavator in a construction or railroad environment preferred.
- Experience loading railroad ties or similar heavy materials preferred.
- Ability to safely operate heavy equipment around railroad tracks and rail cars.
- Ability to understand and follow verbal instructions, hand signals, and radio communications.
- Strong awareness of surroundings and ability to work safely around ground personnel.
- Dependable, safety-conscious, and able to work effectively as part of a crew.
- Must be willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Must be willing to travel and work nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as project requirements dictate.
Safety Requirements
- Complete all required company and railroad safety training before performing assigned duties.
- Wear all required PPE, including high-visibility clothing, hard hat, safety footwear, eye protection, and hearing protection as required.
- Follow railroad roadway worker protection and job-site safety procedures.
- Maintain safe distances from active tracks, trains, rail cars, and other equipment.
- Never allow personnel to enter the excavator's operating or swing radius unless proper procedures are followed.
- Immediately stop work and notify supervision if an unsafe condition exists.
Physical Requirements
The position requires the ability to work outdoors for extended periods and perform duties involving sitting, standing, walking, climbing, bending, reaching, and occasional lifting or handling of materials and tools. Employees must be able to safely access and exit heavy equipment and work on uneven terrain.
Work Environment
Work is performed primarily outdoors in active railroad and construction environments. Employees may be exposed to extreme temperatures, dust, dirt, noise, vibration, moving trains, rail cars, heavy equipment, uneven terrain, and other job-site hazards.
Pay: From $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
Work Location: On the road
