About this role
CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Location: Regional Travel
Starting Pay: $26/hour — higher pay available based on experience
Benefits: Full benefits package
Position Overview
Seeking a Class A CDL driver with heavy equipment experience to support railroad emergency response and construction activities. This position combines commercial driving, equipment operation, material handling, and hands-on field work related to train derailment recovery, track work, and railroad equipment.
Schedule & Compensation
- 40 hours guaranteed per week
- Regular and overtime hours average 60+ hours per week
- 24/7 on-call availability for emergency response
- Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM is the regular schedule
- Hours worked outside the regular schedule are paid at 1.5x overtime
- Per diem available for qualifying travel
- Hotel pay for travel assignments
- Layover pay when applicable
Key Responsibilities
- Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment according to DOT requirements and established procedures.
- Operate tractor-trailers to and from work sites while inspecting transported loads and equipment.
- Review transportation permits and confirm overweight/oversize load specifications are accurate.
- Attend daily job planning discussions and safety briefings before beginning field activities.
- Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for rerailing, load transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and new construction.
- Assist with site preparation, cleanup, equipment breakdown, and secure loading at the completion of assignments.
- Assist with the setup, inspection, rigging, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.
- Connect and work with chains, cables, and winches during derailment and rerailing operations.
- Operate equipment safely while maintaining awareness of surrounding personnel, vehicles, and site conditions.
- Operate equipment such as:
Cranes
- Backhoes
- Grapple trucks
- Dump trucks
- Excavators
- Bulldozers
- Front-end loaders
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractor and skid-steer loaders
- Support specialty lifting, rerailing, load transfers, grading, track repair, and railroad construction activities.
- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as required.
- Monitor vehicles and equipment to help maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.
- Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing; report more complex mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
- Assist with crane and equipment disassembly and loading when assignments are complete.
- Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, components, and supplies upon returning to the home base.
- Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.
- Maintain organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
- Remove debris and trash and maintain the expected level of quality and workmanship.
- Follow all required safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Assist other departments or divisions when needed to support business operations and customer requirements.
Requirements
- Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Good driving record
- Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding field
- Ability to successfully complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs
- Must be available 24/7 , including weekends and holidays, for emergency service calls
- Ability to safely perform physical work in field and construction environments
Preferred Experience
- 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience , including equipment such as:
Backhoe
- Bulldozer
- Excavator
- Front-end loader
- Grapple truck
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractor
- Skid-steer loader
- Equivalent combination of training and hands-on experience may be considered.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screening
- Background check