CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Rerail

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.