CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator

CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator

Location: Allentown, PA | Regional Travel

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

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

Benefits: Full benefits package

Position Overview

Seeking a Class A CDL operator for railroad field operations and emergency response work. This is a hands-on position involving equipment transportation, heavy equipment operation, railroad recovery, track work, and physical field support.

Driving is only part of the role. Operators should be comfortable working with construction equipment, tools, rigging, and other crew members in a fast-paced field environment.

What You'll Do

• Complete DOT-required pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Transport machinery and materials to and from work sites and verify loads and permits.
• Load, unload, position, and secure equipment and materials.
• Participate in job planning and daily safety briefings.
• Support railroad re-railing, load transfers, track maintenance, repairs, and new construction.
• Assist with crane and equipment setup, inspections, assembly, and operation.
• Perform rigging activities using chains, cables, and winches.
• Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including:
  • Cranes
  • Backhoes
  • Grapple trucks
  • Dump trucks
  • Excavators
  • Bulldozers
  • Front-end loaders
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractors
  • Skid-steer loaders
  • Use hydraulic tools, welding and cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
  • Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe, reliable operation.
  • Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service.
  • Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, transportation, and site cleanup.
  • Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, supplies, and components.
  • Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.
  • Maintain clean, organized, and job-ready vehicles, equipment, and work areas.
  • Support other departments or work groups when needed.
  • Follow all required safety procedures and maintain quality standards.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A).
• Good driving record.
• Experience in construction, field labor, or another physically demanding role.
• Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• Willingness to respond to emergency service calls 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding outdoor environment.

Preferred Experience

3+ years of heavy equipment operation involving equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.

Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week
• Average 60+ hours per week, with significant overtime
• Hours worked outside Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime
• 24/7 on-call emergency response
• Per diem
• Hotel accommodations/pay for qualifying travel
• Layover pay when applicable
• Full benefits package

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check