CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Track

Position Overview

We are looking for a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to assist with railroad track projects and emergency recovery operations. This is a hands-on field position where driving is approximately 10% of the job. Most of the work involves operating construction equipment, moving materials, supporting track crews, and performing physical labor. The position requires someone who can respond quickly to changing work conditions and remain available for 24/7 emergency calls, including nights, weekends, and holidays. When not assigned to an emergency or field project, employees may assist with equipment preventive maintenance, inspections, and safety training at the shop.

Schedule & Compensation

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

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with railroad track maintenance, repair, construction, grading, and new-build projects
• Support emergency railroad recovery and rerailing operations as needed
• Operate a tractor-trailer to transport equipment and materials to and from work sites
• Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT regulations
• Inspect transported loads and machinery and verify applicable permits for overweight or oversized equipment
• Load, unload, stage, secure, and position equipment and materials at job sites
• Participate in job planning and daily safety briefings
• Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including: cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, operation, disassembly, and loading
• Perform rigging and connect chains, cables, and winches during recovery operations
• Assist with load adjustment/transfer, specialty lifting, railroad car maintenance and repair, and other track-related work
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools
• Monitor equipment and vehicles to help maintain safe and reliable operation
• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle maintenance
• Report major mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman
• Reload and secure equipment after completing assignments and assist with site cleanup
• Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, components, and supplies
• Sort and properly store scrap materials
• Follow all safety policies and procedures
• Maintain clean and organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas
• Assist other departments or crews when needed

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 work in a 24/7 emergency-response/on-call environment, 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, and 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.

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

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.