CDL-A Railroad Field Operator – Track & Rerail

About the role

Join a field operations team responding to railroad emergencies and supporting track maintenance, rerailing, equipment transport, and railcar repair. This hands-on position combines Class A CDL driving, heavy equipment operation, and physical labor. Driving accounts for approximately 10% of the job; the remaining time involves equipment operation, material handling, maintenance, and field work.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations
• Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites; inspect loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight loads
• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings before beginning field assignments
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for rerailing, load transfers, track repairs, and railroad construction
• Operate heavy equipment, including cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, skid-steers, and other equipment as qualified
• Assist with crane assembly, equipment inspections, rigging, and securing loads using chains, cables, and winches
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as required
• Support railroad car maintenance and repair, track construction, grading, load adjustment, and equipment setup
• Monitor equipment condition, perform and document minor servicing, and report major mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman
• Disassemble and load equipment after assignments, clean job sites, restock supplies, and organize tools and materials at the home base
• Complete required safety training and preventive maintenance tasks during downtime
• Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas while following all safety procedures
• Assist other work groups as needed to support field operations

Requirements

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL‑A) and a good driving record
• Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding field role
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely or demonstrate the ability to learn and qualify on assigned equipment
• Availability for emergency callouts 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to travel regionally and out of state for emergency assignments
• Ability to complete required qualification tests, safety programs, and training
• Willingness to perform hands‑on labor, equipment maintenance, material handling, and field assignments
• Must pass drug screening and background check

Qualifications

• 3+ years operating heavy equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail‑bound equipment, tractors, or skid‑steer loaders, or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Experience with railroad rerailing, track maintenance, load transfers, welding, torch cutting, rigging, or mechanical repairs

Pay

Starting pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience. Additional compensation includes per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.