CDL-A Driver / Heavy Equipment Operator

CDL-A Driver / Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire

Starting Pay: $26.00/hour; higher based on experience

Benefits: Full benefits package

Position Overview

We are hiring a Class A CDL Driver / Heavy Equipment Operator to support specialized railroad construction, maintenance, and emergency response operations.

This position combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, and field support. Work may include railroad rerailing, railcar maintenance and repair, load transfers, track work, grading, and related construction activities.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.
• Regular overtime opportunities, with combined regular and overtime hours averaging 60+ hours per week.
• 24/7 on-call availability is required for emergency response.
• Work performed outside Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM is paid at time-and-a-half overtime rates.
• Per diem is available.
• Hotel expenses are provided for required travel.
• Layover pay is available when applicable.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT requirements and company procedures.
• Safely operate tractor-trailers to and from work sites.
• Inspect transported loads and equipment and verify permits for overweight or oversize loads.
• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings before field activities begin.
• Load, unload, stage, and position equipment and materials for field operations.
• Assist with rerailing, railcar maintenance and repair, load adjustment/transfer, track maintenance, track repair, and new track construction.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, and operation.
• Perform rigging activities using chains, cables, and winches.
• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders when qualified.
• Support specialty lifting, load transfer, grading, railroad construction, and related field work.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor vehicles and equipment to maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.
• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service; report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate shop or field supervisor.
• Assist with equipment disassembly and loading at the completion of assignments.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, supplies, and components when returning to the home base.
• Sort and properly dispose of scrap materials.
• Keep vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas clean, organized, and free of debris.
• Follow all required safety procedures and maintain awareness of surrounding personnel and equipment.
• Provide support to other departments or work groups as needed to meet operational requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction labor, heavy equipment work, or a comparable physically demanding position.
• Ability to successfully complete required qualification testing, training, and safety programs.
• Ability to remain available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, for emergency service calls.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in demanding field environments.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including one or more of the following:
  • Backhoe
  • Bulldozer
  • Excavator
  • Front-end loader
  • Grapple truck
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractor
  • Skid-steer loader
  • Experience with railroad construction, maintenance, rerailing, or emergency response operations is a plus.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Pre-employment drug screening.
• Background check.