CDL A Railroad & Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour — higher pay may be available depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Availability: 24/7 emergency on-call
Benefits: Full-time benefits
Position Overview
Hiring Class A CDL professionals for hands-on railroad field work involving train derailment recovery, track work, heavy equipment operation, and material handling.
Driving is approximately 10% of the role. Most of the work involves operating construction equipment, physical field work, equipment handling, and supporting railroad recovery operations.
This position requires 24/7 emergency availability, including weekends and holidays. Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.

What You'll Do

• Perform DOT-compliant pre- and post-trip inspections.
• Drive tractor-trailers to and from work sites and safely transport equipment and materials.
• Inspect transported loads and verify overweight/oversize permits.
• Attend daily safety briefings and review work plans before beginning assignments.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials.
• Support train derailment recovery, rerailing, load transfers, and track maintenance, repair, and construction.
• Assist with crane setup, inspection, assembly, and operation.
• Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
• Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and other construction equipment.
• Perform specialty lifting, rerailing, grading, load transfer, and track-related work.
• 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 servicing.
• Report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Assist with equipment disassembly and loading after assignments.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, components, and supplies.
• Clean and organize vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
• Assist other departments when operational needs require.
• Follow all required safety policies and procedures.

Heavy Equipment Experience
3+ years of heavy equipment operation preferred, including:

• Backhoe
• Bulldozer
• Excavator
• Front-end loader
• Grapple truck
• Rail-bound equipment
• Tractor
• Skid-steer loader

Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Construction labor or comparable physically demanding work experience.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment.
• Ability to pass required qualification testing and training programs.
• Comfortable performing physical labor in field conditions.
• Willingness to respond to emergency calls and work extended hours.
• Must be available 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.
• Significant overtime; typical combined regular and overtime hours average 60+ hours/week.
• Some weeks may reach approximately 70 hours.
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half.
• Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for required travel, and layover pay when applicable.
• During periods without emergency assignments, employees may perform safety training, preventive maintenance, and equipment-related shop work.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Pre-employment drug screening
• Background check
• Required qualification and safety testing

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