CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator & Rail Services Technician

• Employment Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
• Starting Pay: $26.00+ per hour, based on experience

Overview

We are hiring CDL-A Drivers who are comfortable working in both driving and hands-on field roles. This position supports rail and track-related work, including emergency response, equipment transport, and general labor activities.

Schedule

• Guaranteed 40 hours per week
• Average workweek of 60+ hours including overtime
• On-call 24/7 for emergency response, including nights, weekends, and holiday

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting pay from $57,200 annually (higher starting pay based on experience)
• Overtime paid at 1.5x the regular hourly rate for hours worked outside Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM
• Per diem for eligible travel
• Hotel accommodations provided during overnight travel
• Layover pay when applicable
• Full-time position with benefits

Key Responsibilities

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT regulations and company standards.
• Safely transport heavy equipment and materials to and from job sites using a Class A CDL tractor-trailer.
• Verify permits and inspect oversized or overweight loads before transport.
• Participate in daily job planning meetings and safety briefings before work begins.
• Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials needed for rail maintenance, derailment recovery, load transfers, and construction activities.
• Assist with rerailing operations and railroad car repairs.
• Assemble, inspect, and operate cranes and other heavy equipment while following established operating procedures and safety requirements.
• Support rigging operations by connecting chains, cables, winches, and lifting equipment during recovery projects.
• Operate heavy machinery, including:
• Cranes
• Backhoes
• Excavators
• Grapple trucks
• Dump trucks
• Bulldozers
• Front-end loaders
• Rail-bound equipment
• Tractors
• Skid-steer loaders
• Use hydraulic equipment, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools to complete assigned work.
• Monitor equipment performance and report maintenance concerns.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs while escalating major mechanical issues to maintenance personnel.
• Assist with dismantling and loading cranes and specialty equipment following project completion.
• Restock vehicles, tools, parts, and supplies to maintain operational readiness.
• Maintain clean, organized work vehicles, equipment, and job sites.
• Support other departments and work assignments as business needs require.
• Follow all company safety procedures and maintain a strong commitment to safe work practices.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
• Experience performing construction labor or similar physically demanding work.
• Ability to successfully complete required qualification testing, training, and safety programs.
• Must be available for emergency response on a 24/7 on-call basis, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to safely perform physically demanding tasks in outdoor work environments.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with 3 or more years of heavy equipment operating experience are encouraged to apply. Experience operating the following equipment is highly desirable:

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

Equivalent combinations of training and practical experience will also be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening
• Background check

Why Join Our Team?

If you enjoy operating heavy equipment, working outdoors, and responding to unique challenges in a fast-paced environment, this role offers a rewarding career with competitive pay, extensive overtime opportunities, travel benefits, and the chance to work on specialized railroad operations throughout the region.