Heavy Equipment Operator - Nationwide Travel

Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Track Maintenance

Home Base: Frankfort, Kentucky
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Travel: 100% Nationwide Travel
Job Type: Full-Time

Take Your Heavy Equipment Experience Nationwide

Road & Rail Services is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad track construction and maintenance projects throughout the United States. Although this position is based out of Frankfort, Kentucky, it requires continuous nationwide travel.

This is not a local or home-daily opportunity. The Heavy Equipment Operator will travel between project locations and should expect to remain away from home for extended periods. This position is ideal for an experienced railroad professional who enjoys working outdoors, operating large equipment, and contributing to the safety and reliability of railroad infrastructure.

The Heavy Equipment Operator will work alongside track maintenance crews in active railroad environments. Success requires strong equipment operating skills, Maintenance of Way experience, dependable attendance, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

Heavy Equipment Operator Responsibilities

In this position, you will:

Operate backhoes, excavators, loaders, and other heavy construction equipment

Operate tampers, regulators, and rail-specific machinery when qualified

Support railroad track installation, maintenance, and repair projects

Remove and replace railroad ties, rail components, and track materials

Assist with track surfacing, alignment, grading, and stabilization

Identify track defects, equipment concerns, and unsafe job-site conditions

Inspect heavy equipment before use and report maintenance or repair needs

Load, unload, move, and organize project materials

Work near active tracks, moving equipment, and other railroad operations

Coordinate with supervisors and crew members to complete assignments

Follow company, customer, and Federal Railroad Administration safety requirements

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area

Required Qualifications

Qualified candidates must have:

At least two years of railroad track maintenance or Maintenance of Way experience

Previous experience working as a Heavy Equipment Operator

Experience operating equipment in a railroad, track, or industrial construction environment

Knowledge of railroad job-site safety and FRA requirements

A valid state-issued driver's license

The ability and willingness to travel 100% nationwide

The flexibility to remain away from home for extended assignments

The ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, and changing weather

The physical ability to lift, bend, climb, stand, walk, and work on uneven surfaces

Strong communication, teamwork, and job-site awareness

Experience operating tampers, regulators, or other specialized railroad equipment is preferred. Previous employment with a Class I, short-line railroad, railroad contractor, or track construction company is also valuable.

Travel and Work Conditions

This is a 100% travel position based out of Frankfort, Kentucky. Projects may be located in multiple states, and schedules will vary according to customer and operational needs. Employees must be prepared to travel continuously and work in physically demanding outdoor railroad environments.

Benefits

Road & Rail Services offers eligible full-time employees:

Pay of $25.00 per hour

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company matching

Paid holidays and vacation

Annual steel-toe boot allowance

Company-provided personal protective equipment

Training and professional skill development

Advancement opportunities

A veteran-friendly workplace

A promote-from-within culture

If you are an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator with railroad track maintenance knowledge and are prepared for 100% nationwide travel, apply today.

Road & Rail Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.