CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery

CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator
Location: Allentown, PA | Regional Travel
Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Starting Rate: $26.00/hour (higher depending on experience)
Benefits: Full benefits package
Position Overview
We are hiring a CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and track-related projects throughout the region. This is a hands-on position involving heavy equipment operation, equipment transportation, rerailing work, and physical labor at job sites.
Driving is only a small part of the role. Operators must be comfortable working with construction equipment, assisting with rerailing operations, and responding to emergency calls on a 24/7 basis.

Schedule & Compensation

- 40 hours guaranteed per week.

- Significant overtime; typical workweeks average 60+ hours and may reach 70 hours.

- Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., are paid at time-and-a-half.

- Per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.

- Must be available for emergency callouts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round.

Key Responsibilities

- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment according to company policies and DOT regulations.

- Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites, inspect loads, and verify permits for oversized or overweight loads.

- Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.

- Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials for rerailing, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and new construction.

- Assist with crane assembly, inspections, operation, and disassembly as needed.

- Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, skid steers, and rail-bound equipment when qualified.

- Assist with rerailing operations and use chains, cables, rigging, and winches safely.

- Support railroad car maintenance and repair, load transfers, grading, track work, and railroad construction activities.

- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed.

- Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe operation and readiness, perform and document minor maintenance, and report complex repairs to the shop manager or foreman.

- Prepare equipment and vehicles for future assignments by restocking parts and supplies and organizing materials.

- Clean job sites and maintain vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.

- Follow all safety procedures and assist other departments as needed to meet operational requirements.

- Complete safety training and preventive maintenance during downtime between emergency assignments.

Required Qualifications

- Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.

- Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding role.

- Ability to operate heavy equipment and perform hands-on field work.

- Willingness to travel regionally and work an on-call schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

- Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs.

- Commitment to safe, efficient, and professional work practices.

Preferred Experience

- Three or more years of heavy equipment operating experience, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.

- Experience in railroad rerailing, derailment recovery, track maintenance, or related construction work is an advantage.

- Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

- Pre-employment drug screening.

- Background check.

Interview Requirement: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.