CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery

Benefits:

• Full benefits package, per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable
• Position Summary
• Join a field operations team responding to railroad derailments, track projects, and equipment recovery assignments. This hands-on role combines CDL-A driving, heavy equipment operation, and physical fieldwork. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the job; most time is spent supporting on-site operations.
• Employees must be available for emergency callouts
• 24/7, including weekends and holidays
• . Work may require rapid response, extended hours, and travel outside the local area.
• Key Responsibilities: Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company procedures and DOT regulations.
• Transport equipment and materials to job sites, inspect loads, and verify permits for oversized or overweight loads.
• Participate in job briefings and daily safety meetings before beginning field assignments.
• Load, unload, stage, and secure materials and equipment for railroad recovery, rerailing, load adjustment, and track work.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, and disassembly.
• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, skid-steers, and rail-bound equipment, as qualified.
• Assist with rerailing operations, railroad car maintenance and repair, load transfers, track maintenance, track repairs, grading, and new track construction.
• Use chains, cables, rigging equipment, winches, hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools as needed.
• Monitor equipment and vehicles to maintain safe, reliable operation and minimize downtime.
• Complete minor equipment servicing and document maintenance; report more complex mechanical issues to the shop manager or foreman.
• Clean work areas, organize tools, sort scrap materials, and restock vehicles and equipment for future assignments.
• Follow all safety policies and maintain equipment, vehicles, and work areas in good condition.
• Assist other departments as needed to support field operations.
• Required Qualifications: Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding role.
• Ability to operate standard construction equipment and perform hands-on fieldwork.
• Willingness to complete required qualification tests, safety training, and equipment training.
• Availability for 24/7 emergency callouts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work extended hours in a demanding field environment.
• Preferred Experience: 3 or more years operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
• Equivalent combinations of training and practical equipment operating experience will also be considered.
• Compensation and Work Requirements: 40 hours of work guaranteed each week.
• Typical workload averages 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
• Hours worked outside the regular Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule are paid at time-and-a-half, according to the applicable overtime policy.
• Per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay may be available when applicable.
• Full benefits package.
• During periods without emergency assignments, employees may complete safety training, preventive maintenance, and equipment checks.
• Pre-Employment Requirements: Pre-employment drug screening.
• Background check.
• Steel-toed boots must be brought to the interview.