CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Field Operations

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator - Railroad Field Operations

Job Type: Full-Time Hire with Benefits

Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly; significant overtime, with an average of 60+ combined regular and overtime hours per week

Availability: 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays

Pay: Starting at $26/hour; higher starting rates may be available based on experience. Hours worked outside Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half. Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Class A CDL Heavy Equipment Operator for regional field work supporting railroad recovery and construction activities. The role combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, and hands-on field support.

Responsibilities may include railroad rerailing, railcar maintenance and repair, load adjustment or transfer, track maintenance, track repair, grading, and new construction.

Responsibilities

• Complete DOT-compliant pre- 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 permits for overweight and oversized equipment.
• Participate in daily job planning and required safety briefings.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for field operations.
• Support rerailing operations, railcar maintenance/repair, load adjustment and transfer, and track maintenance, repair, and new construction.
• Assist with the setup, inspection, assembly, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.
• Assist with rigging and connecting chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery work.
• Operate equipment when qualified, including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.
• Perform work associated with specialty lifting, rerailing, load transfers, grading, and railroad construction.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor vehicles and equipment for operating issues and help maintain readiness.
• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service; report more complex mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
• Assist with equipment disassembly and loading when assignments are complete.
• Reload equipment and materials and help restore the job site to an orderly condition.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, components, and supplies after returning to the home base.
• Sort and properly place scrap materials.
• Keep vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas clean, organized, and free of debris.
• Follow all applicable safety policies, procedures, and operating requirements.
• Provide support to other departments or divisions as needed.

Requirements

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding field role.
• Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs.
• Ability to remain available 24/7 for emergency service calls, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years of heavy equipment operation, including experience with:
  • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Excavators
  • Front-end loaders
  • Grapple trucks
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractors
  • Skid-steer loaders
  • Equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.