About this role
CDL-A Railroad Field Operator
Location: Allentown, PA | Regional Travel
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Pay: Starting at $26/hour, higher depending on experience
Benefits: Full benefits package
Role Overview
We are hiring a CDL-A Railroad Field Operator for hands-on railroad and heavy equipment work. This position combines commercial driving with equipment transportation, railroad recovery, track maintenance, rigging, construction support, and emergency response.
The role requires comfort working outdoors, operating or assisting with heavy equipment, using various tools, and working as part of a field crew.
Schedule & Compensation
- 40 hours guaranteed per week
- Typical schedules average 60+ hours per week , with significant overtime
- Overtime is paid at time-and-a-half for hours outside the regular Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM schedule
- 24/7 on-call availability required, including weekends and holidays
- Per diem provided when applicable
- Hotel and layover pay available for qualifying travel
What You'll Do
- Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment according to DOT and company requirements.
- Transport equipment and materials to and from railroad and construction job sites.
- Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight or oversized equipment.
- Participate in daily work planning and safety meetings.
- Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for rerailing, load transfer, and track work.
- Assist with the assembly, inspection, setup, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.
- Assist with rigging operations, including chains, cables, and winches.
- Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, excavators, grapple trucks, dump trucks, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid steers when qualified.
- Support rerailing, specialty lifting, load transfer, grading, track maintenance, repair, and railroad construction activities.
- Use hydraulic tools, welding and cutting equipment, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed.
- Monitor vehicles and equipment to maintain safe and reliable operation.
- Perform and document basic equipment and vehicle maintenance.
- Assist with equipment breakdown, loading, and transportation at the completion of assignments.
- Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, supplies, and components.
- Maintain clean and organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
- Perform additional field or shop duties as needed.
- Follow all required safety procedures and work practices.
Requirements
- Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record
- Construction, heavy labor, or similar hands-on work experience.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work in an outdoor job-site environment.
- Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
- Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
- Willingness to travel regionally as required.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Preferred Experience
- 3+ years of heavy equipment operation , including experience with equipment such as:
Backhoes
- Bulldozers
- Excavators
- Front-end loaders
- Grapple trucks
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractors
- Skid-steer loaders
- Railroad, rerailing, construction, or similar field experience is a plus.
Interview Requirement: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.