Job Description

We recognize that earthwork is a vital part of almost all railroad construction projects. With our equipment and expertise, we offer a broad range of earthwork services and our backhoe operators are at the heart of our operations. The backhoe operator is an hourly-rated skilled craft position that works on construction and maintenance projects and performs any combination of the duties described below. A backhoe operator typically performs a wide variety of tasks, transferring from one task to another as the workflow dictates. The applicant who fills this position will also be trained on and operate specialty railroad machinery that include a Tamper machine and Ballast Regulator. The applicant is being hired with the intent of working as a backhoe operator as well as an operator of our on-track machines. Some travel/ weekend work should be expected. We offer competitive pay, paid time off, holiday pay, 401k and a robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.  

Job Responsibilities: 

• Operate all machinery in a safe manner
• Set up heavy construction equipment
• 1+ years of experience operating a backhoe, with experience in a railroad construction environment preferred.
• Proper pre-start and daily maintenance- including lubrication and required documentation
• Keep equipment clean and well-maintained (perform required maintenance)
• Operate equipment to grade or redistribute earth
• Operate equipment to move, load or unload material
• Install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures
• Signal directions or warnings to coworkers
• Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members
• Locate underground services, such as pipes and wires, prior to beginning work
• Study instructions, plans, and diagrams to establish work requirements
• Grade plan requirements and set grade standards
• Demonstrate the ability to lead a crew and delegate work within work scope
• Understand production and quantity requirements
• Make decisions based on verifiable standards
• Perform incidental work items and duties included within other crafts including operating on-track machinery
• Assist crews with necessary labor on an as-needed basis
• Ability and willingness to be trained as well as train others on the machine

Education and Experience: 

This position requires at least one year of previous experience as a backhoe operator. A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred. Must be able to understand work directions and communicate effectively with Superintendents and fellow employees. A valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Demands:

The following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by a backhoe operator to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• Constant physical effort, including standing, is required during a regular work shift of at least eight hours per day. Employee must be able to stand for extended periods of time, and to stoop, bend, and crouch as required to perform key duties.
• Frequently work with hands extended overhead, sometimes in conjunction with the operation of hand power tools.
• Ability to lift and carry, on a frequent basis, at least 50 pounds personally, and up to 150 pounds with assistance.
• Maintain constant alertness to the multiple concurrent activities of the construction site, including the activities of other employees and contractors, the operation of stationary equipment, and the movement of mobile equipment.
• Frequently walk on uneven surfaces, including natural ground, in varying weather conditions.
• The operator must be able to climb on and off heavy mobile equipment safely.

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