CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Rerail

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator - Rerail

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Job Type: Direct Hire

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

Position Overview

We are hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency recovery and rerailing projects.

This is primarily a field equipment and labor position, not an over-the-road driving job. Driving typically makes up only about 10% of the work. The remainder involves operating heavy equipment, handling materials, assisting with railroad recovery activities, and performing hands-on work at job sites.

Because derailment response can happen at any time, candidates must be comfortable with 24/7 on-call availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

During periods without emergency assignments, employees may work at the shop completing equipment preventive maintenance, inspections, and safety training.

Schedule & Compensation

• Full-time position with benefits
• 40 hours guaranteed per week
• Average of 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours
• 24/7 on-call emergency response
• Starting pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience
• Hours worked outside Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half overtime
• Per diem for qualifying travel
• Hotel expenses for travel
• Layover pay when applicable

What You'll Do

• Respond to railroad derailments and other emergency recovery assignments.
• Support rerailing operations, load adjustment/transfer, railroad car maintenance and repair, and related field activities.
• Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites.
• Perform DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Inspect loads and transported machinery and verify permits for overweight or oversized equipment.
• Load, unload, stage, secure, and position equipment and materials.
• Participate in daily job planning and safety meetings.
• Assist with the setup, inspection, assembly, operation, disassembly, and loading of cranes and other equipment.
• Perform rigging activities using chains, cables, and winches.
• Operate equipment when qualified, including:
  • Cranes
  • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Excavators
  • Front-end loaders
  • Grapple trucks
  • Dump trucks
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractors
  • Skid-steer loaders
  • Assist with specialty lifting, rerailing, load transfer, track work, grading, and railroad construction activities.
  • Work with hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
  • Monitor vehicles and equipment and report maintenance issues.
  • Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service.
  • Assist with equipment breakdown, loading, job-site cleanup, and material organization.
  • Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies.
  • Sort and place scrap materials in designated areas.
  • Maintain clean and organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
  • Follow all safety requirements and work carefully around coworkers, equipment, and changing job-site conditions.
  • Assist other departments or crews when operational needs require.

Requirements

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
• Construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience.
• Ability to safely operate heavy construction equipment.
• Comfortable performing hands-on physical labor.
• Ability to remain available 24/7 for emergency service calls, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.

Preferred Experience

3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including:

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

Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screen
• Background check

Interview Requirement: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.