CDL-A Driver/Operator (Track)

CDL-A Driver/Operator (Track)

Location: Candor, NC

Job Type: Full-Time

Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience

Position Overview

We are seeking a CDL-A Driver/Operator to support railroad track maintenance, construction, and emergency derailment response operations.

This is a hands-on field position where driving is only a small part of the job. Team members operate construction and railroad equipment, perform physical labor, assist with track work and derailment response, and help maintain equipment. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and being on call 24/7 for emergency response.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week
• Average 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours
• 24/7 on-call availability, including weekends and holidays
• Hours worked outside of Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half
• Per diem available
• Hotel accommodations/pay for qualifying travel
• Layover pay when applicable

Key Responsibilities

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations.
• Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites; inspect loads and equipment being transported.
• Verify transportation permits and ensure overweight and oversize load specifications are accurate.
• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Move, stage, load, and unload materials and equipment for track maintenance, repair, construction, rerailing, and load transfer activities.
• Operate a variety of construction and railroad equipment, including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, tractors, skid-steer loaders, and rail-bound equipment.
• Assist with the assembly, inspection, and operation of cranes and other equipment.
• Assist with rigging and connecting chains, cables, and winches during derailment and heavy-lifting operations.
• Perform physical labor associated with track maintenance, repair, new construction, grading, specialty lifting, load transfer, and railroad-related activities.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as required.
• Operate equipment safely while maintaining awareness of coworkers, surroundings, and potential hazards.
• Continuously monitor vehicles and equipment to minimize downtime and maintain operational readiness.
• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service; report more complex mechanical issues for repair.
• Assist with disassembly, loading, and transportation of cranes and other equipment at the completion of assignments.
• Reload equipment and materials for safe transportation and participate in site cleanup.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies upon returning to the home base.
• Sort and properly store scrap materials.
• Participate in safety training and preventative maintenance activities during periods without emergency field assignments.
• Maintain vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas in a clean, organized, and professional condition.
• Follow all required safety policies and procedures.
• Remain flexible and assist with other departments or work assignments as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a good driving record
• Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding role
• Ability to operate standard construction equipment and perform hands-on physical labor
• Ability to successfully complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs
• Must be available 24/7 to respond to emergency service calls, including weekends and holidays
• Ability to work extended hours in a fast-paced, safety-sensitive environment

Preferred Skills & Experience

• 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including:
  • Backhoe
  • Bulldozer
  • Excavator
  • Front-end loader
  • Grapple truck
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractor
  • Skid-steer loader
  • Experience with track maintenance, railroad construction, rerailing, load transfer, or similar work is a plus.
  • Equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to perform physically demanding construction and railroad field work.
• Ability to regularly load, unload, move, stage, and handle equipment and materials.
• Ability to work around heavy equipment, cranes, vehicles, and railroad operations.
• Ability to work extended hours and respond to emergency calls as required.
• Comfortable working outdoors and in varying weather conditions.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Pre-employment drug screen
• Background check

Benefits

• Full-time employment with benefits
• Guaranteed 40 hours per week
• Significant overtime opportunities
• Per diem for qualifying assignments
• Hotel accommodations/pay for qualifying travel
• Layover pay when applicable