About this role
CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Rerail
Location: Minneapolis, MN
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 recovery and rerailing projects.
This is primarily a field equipment and labor position, not an over-the-road driving job. Driving typically makes up only about 10% of the work. The remainder involves operating heavy equipment, handling materials, assisting with railroad recovery activities, and performing hands-on work at job sites.
Because derailment response can happen at any time, candidates must be comfortable with 24/7 on-call availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
During periods without emergency assignments, employees may work at the shop completing equipment preventive maintenance, inspections, and safety training.
Responsibilities
- Complete pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT requirements.
- Transport equipment, machinery, and materials safely to and from work locations.
- Inspect loads and confirm permits for oversized or overweight equipment.
- Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.
- Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for rerailing and railroad operations.
- Assist with train rerailing, load adjustment and transfer, railroad car maintenance/repair, track maintenance, repair, and new construction.
- Help assemble, inspect, and operate cranes and other equipment.
- Assist with rigging and connecting chains, cables, and winches.
- Operate equipment such as:
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 help maintain safe and reliable operation.
- Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing.
- Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, and cleanup after assignments.
- Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, components, and supplies.
- Maintain organized work areas, vehicles, tools, and equipment.
- Follow all safety policies and procedures.
- Assist other departments or crews as 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 safely operate heavy equipment.
- Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
- Must be available 24/7 for emergency response , including weekends and holidays.
- Comfortable performing physical field work and working extended hours when required.
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.