Backhoe & On-Track Machine Operator

Job Description

Backhoe & On-Track Machine Operator | American Track

The Tone:
This is an hourly-rated, skilled craft position at American Track, a company recognized for earthwork as a vital part of almost all railroad construction projects. With specialized equipment and expertise, American Track offers a broad range of earthwork services. This role is crucial, as backhoe operators are at the heart of these operations, ensuring the successful execution of both construction and maintenance projects. The successful applicant will also be trained on and operate specialty railroad machinery, making this a diverse and impactful position within the company.

The TL;DR
• Role: Full Time
• Type: Hourly-rated, Skilled Craft
• Location: In-person

• Mission: To safely operate backhoes and specialty railroad machinery for earthwork and maintenance on construction projects.
• Tech Stack: Tamper machine, Ballast Regulator

What You’ll Actually Do
• Equipment Operation & Training: Safely operate a wide variety of machinery, including backhoes and specialized on-track railroad machines like Tamper machines and Ballast Regulators, on construction and maintenance projects. This includes the willingness and ability to be trained on and train others on these machines.
• Site Preparation & Earthwork: Set up heavy construction equipment and perform earthwork tasks such as grading or redistributing earth. This also involves locating underground services like pipes and wires prior to starting work to ensure safety and proper execution.
• Material Handling & Attachments: Operate equipment to move, load, or unload various materials, and install necessary equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures as required by the job.
• Communication & Coordination: Signal directions and warnings to coworkers, effectively coordinating machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
• Planning, Standards & Support: Study instructions, plans, and diagrams to establish work requirements, understand grade plan specifics, and set grade standards. You will also perform incidental work items within other crafts, including operating on-track machinery, and assist crews with necessary labor as needed.

The Must-Haves
• Background: This is an hourly-rated, skilled craft position working on construction and maintenance projects. A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred for this role.
• Experience: A minimum of one year of previous experience as a backhoe operator is required. The role also involves training on and operation of specialty railroad machinery.
• Skills: Must be capable of operating all machinery safely, setting up heavy construction equipment, performing proper daily maintenance and documentation, understanding work directions, and communicating effectively with superintendents and fellow employees. A valid driver’s license is also required.
• Bonus: Experience in a railroad construction environment is preferred. The ability to lead a crew and delegate work within the scope of work, along with an understanding of production and quantity requirements and the ability to make decisions based on verifiable standards, will be beneficial. Willingness to be trained on, as well as train others on, the machinery is also a plus.