About this role
CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator
Location: Allentown, PA | Regional Travel
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available based on experience
Benefits: Full benefits package
Position Overview
Seeking a Class A CDL operator for railroad field operations and emergency response work. This is a hands-on position involving equipment transportation, heavy equipment operation, railroad recovery, track work, and physical field support.
Driving is only part of the role. Operators should be comfortable working with construction equipment, tools, rigging, and other crew members in a fast-paced field environment.
Responsibilities
- Perform DOT pre-trip and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment.
- Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites while confirming loads and required permits.
- Load, unload, position, and secure machinery and materials.
- Participate in job planning, crew coordination, and daily safety briefings.
- Support railroad re-railing, load transfers, track maintenance, repairs, and new construction .
- Assist with crane setup, inspection, assembly, and operation.
- Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches .
- Operate heavy equipment when properly qualified, including:
Cranes
- Backhoes
- Grapple trucks
- Dump trucks
- Excavators
- Bulldozers
- Front-end loaders
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractors
- Skid-steer loaders
- Use hydraulic tools, welding and cutting torches, electrical tools, and hand tools .
- Monitor trucks, vehicles, and equipment to help ensure safe and reliable operation.
- Perform and document minor vehicle and equipment servicing.
- Assist with equipment breakdown, disassembly, loading, transportation, and site cleanup.
- Maintain necessary parts, supplies, and components on vehicles and equipment.
- Sort and move scrap materials to designated locations.
- Keep vehicles, equipment, and work areas clean, organized, and ready for use.
- Provide support to other crews and departments as needed.
- Follow safety requirements and maintain established quality standards.
Required Qualifications
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) .
- Good driving record.
- Experience in construction, field labor, equipment operation, or another physically demanding environment.
- Ability to complete required training, qualifications, and safety programs.
- Available for 24/7 emergency service calls , including weekends and holidays.
- Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work.
Preferred Experience
3+ years of heavy equipment operation involving one or more of the following:
- Backhoe
- Bulldozer
- Excavator
- Front-end loader
- Grapple truck
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractor
- Skid-steer loader
Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.
Schedule & Compensation
- 40 hours guaranteed per week
- Average 60+ hours per week with significant overtime
- Work outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM paid at 1.5x overtime
- 24/7 emergency on-call rotation
- Regional travel
- Per diem
- Hotel accommodations/pay for qualifying travel
- Layover pay when applicable
- Full benefits package
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screening
- Background check