Track Foreman

Capital Railroad Contracting, Inc. is a premier railroad construction and maintenance contractor specializing in the construction, rehabilitation, repair, and maintenance of rail infrastructure throughout the Midwest. Since 1987, the company has delivered high-quality rail services to freight railroads, industrial facilities, ports, logistics hubs, and transportation customers, building a reputation for safety, reliability, and operational excellence.

About the role

The CDL A Driver / Hi-Rail Grapple Truck Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a hi-rail equipped grapple truck used in railroad construction, maintenance, vegetation management, tie handling, rail material transportation, and infrastructure improvement projects. This role requires a safety-conscious equipment operator capable of working both on roadways and railroad tracks while safely operating the grapple arm to load, unload, move, and position railroad materials. The operator will perform vehicle inspections, basic preventive maintenance, complete required documentation, and work closely with field personnel to support successful project execution.

This position is critical to supporting Capital Railroad Contracting's growing railroad maintenance, construction, and material handling operations throughout the Midwest. The successful candidate will help ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and to customer specifications while maintaining the company's high standards for safety performance, quality workmanship, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate CDL A vehicles and hi-rail equipped grapple trucks on both roadways and railroad tracks
• Engage and disengage hi-rail gear when transitioning between roadway and rail operations
• Transport railroad materials, equipment, and supplies between project sites
• Operate grapple arm to safely lift, move, position, and unload rail materials
• Load and unload railroad ties, steel rail, scrap rail, brush, debris, and construction materials
• Utilize grapple equipment to support railroad maintenance and construction projects
• Secure loads according to DOT and company requirements
• Maintain awareness of surrounding personnel and equipment during material handling operations
• Conduct daily inspections of trucks, hi-rail systems, and grapple equipment
• Perform routine preventative maintenance
• Check fluids, grease components, and maintain proper equipment condition
• Report mechanical concerns and coordinate repairs when necessary
• Follow company safety policies, FRA requirements, DOT regulations, and project-specific procedures
• Utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Participate in safety meetings, inspections, and training programs
• Ensure safe work zones and maintain awareness of railroad operating environments
• Complete daily driver logs, inspection reports, and equipment documentation
• Document maintenance activities and operational issues
• Report incidents, near misses, and equipment concerns
• Support project reporting requirements
• Coordinate with foremen, superintendents, track crews, and fellow operators
• Assist railroad maintenance crews with field activities as needed
• Support site cleanup and labor activities when equipment operation is not required
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional work environment

Requirements

• 2–5 years of experience operating grapple trucks, boom trucks, knuckle booms, loaders, or similar heavy equipment
• Pulling/Hauling Equipment Experience
• Experience within railroad construction, railroad maintenance, utility construction, heavy civil construction, forestry, or material handling environments preferred
• Valid Class A CDL required
• Hi-Rail operating experience preferred
• Strong understanding of DOT regulations and equipment inspections
• Experience performing preventative maintenance and equipment troubleshooting
• Proven ability to work safely in demanding outdoor construction environments
• Ability to travel and support multiple project sites as required

Skills

• CDL A Truck Operation
• Hi-Rail Equipment Operation
• Grapple Truck Operation
• Material Handling
• Railroad Maintenance Support
• Load Securement
• Equipment Inspection & Maintenance
• Mechanical Troubleshooting
• Construction Site Safety
• Communication & Teamwork
• DOT Compliance
• Time Management & Productivity

Benefits

• OTE (Over-Time Earnings Potential)
• 2 weeks paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Sick time
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Wellness program
• Flexible spending accounts
• Tuition reimbursement

Pay

$35-40/HR

Location: Nebraska City, Nebraska (on-site, no remote work)