CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Load Adjust

Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour — higher pay may be available depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Travel: Local and out-of-area emergency assignments
Benefits: Full-time position with benefits
Job Overview
We are seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and field operations. This hands-on position involves transporting and operating equipment, adjusting and transferring loads, assisting with derailment response, and performing physical work at job sites.
Driving makes up approximately 10% of the position. The majority of the job involves equipment operation, load adjustment, rigging, maintenance, and other field duties.
This role requires someone who is comfortable with an unpredictable 24/7 on-call schedule and responding to emergency assignments, including weekends and holidays.
Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed each week
• Average workweek is 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours
• On-call 24/7 for emergency response
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half
• Per diem for qualifying assignments
• Hotel pay for travel
• Layover pay when applicable

Responsibilities

• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment
• Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and safely transport equipment and materials
• Inspect transported loads and verify required permits for overweight or oversized equipment
• Load, unload, stage, secure, and reposition materials and equipment
• Assist with load adjustment and transfer operations during railroad emergency assignments
• Support rerailing, track maintenance/repair, railroad car maintenance, and related field activities as needed
• Assist with assembly, inspection, operation, and disassembly of cranes and other equipment
• Perform rigging and connect chains, cables, and winches during field operations
• Operate equipment such as:
• Cranes
• Backhoes
• Grapple trucks
• Dump trucks
• Excavators
• Front-end loaders
• 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 maintain safe and reliable operation
• Perform and document minor equipment maintenance and repairs, including basic mechanical tasks such as oil changes
• Report more complex mechanical issues for additional repair
• Participate in daily safety briefings and follow all required safety procedures
• Assist with site cleanup and return equipment, tools, parts, and supplies to the proper locations
• Maintain vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas in an organized and safe condition
• Perform other field duties as needed to support operations

Requirements

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
• Good driving record
• Experience in construction, equipment operation, or another physically demanding labor position
• Basic mechanical skills for minor equipment repairs
• Ability to work safely with heavy equipment, tools, and rigging
• Comfortable working an on-call 24/7 schedule
• Ability to respond to emergency assignments, including weekends and holidays
• Must successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years of heavy equipment operation experience
• Experience operating backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders
• Experience with manual-transmission equipment
• Experience with railroad, construction, load transfer, rigging, or emergency field operations

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screen
• Background check

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