About this role
CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator
Location: Candor, NC
Job Type: Direct Hire
Pay: Starting at $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience
Position Overview
We are hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response, rerailing operations, and related construction activities.
This is primarily a hands-on equipment operation and labor position, not an over-the-road driving job. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the role. Team members must be comfortable operating a variety of construction equipment and performing physical work in an active job-site environment.
Because railroad emergencies can occur at any time, this position requires 24/7 on-call availability, including weekends and holidays.
When emergency assignments are not active, employees may work from the shop completing safety training, equipment inspections, and preventive maintenance (PM).
Responsibilities
- Perform pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT requirements.
- Transport equipment and materials safely to and from work sites.
- Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized and overweight equipment.
- Participate in daily job planning and safety briefings.
- Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials for rerailing and railroad projects.
- Assist with train rerailing, load adjustment/transfer, track maintenance, repairs, construction, and grading.
- Help assemble, inspect, set up, and operate cranes and other heavy equipment.
- Assist with rigging and connecting chains, cables, and winches.
- Operate equipment including:
Cranes
- Backhoes
- Bulldozers
- Excavators
- Front-end loaders
- Grapple trucks
- Dump trucks
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractors
- Skid-steer loaders
- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
- Monitor vehicles and equipment to maintain safe and reliable operation.
- Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service.
- Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, and site cleanup.
- Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies.
- Maintain clean and organized work areas, vehicles, tools, and equipment.
- Follow all required safety procedures.
- Assist other teams or departments when needed.
Requirements
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a good driving record.
- Construction, equipment operation, or other physically demanding labor experience.
- Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
- Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
- Must be available 24/7 for emergency response , including weekends and holidays.
- Comfortable working extended hours and performing physical field work.
Preferred Experience
- 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience , including:
Backhoe
- Bulldozer
- Excavator
- Front-end loader
- Grapple truck
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractor
- Skid-steer loader
- Equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
Schedule & Compensation
- 40 hours guaranteed per week.
- Typical workweeks average 60+ hours , with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
- Hours outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half overtime rates .
- Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay , when applicable.
- 24/7 on-call availability is required for emergency response.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screening
- Background check
- Required qualification and safety testing
Interview: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.