CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator
Location: Taneytown, MDJob Type: Full-Time | Direct HireStarting Salary: $57,200.00, with higher pay possible based on experience
Position Overview
Seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and equipment operations. This position involves traveling to derailment sites, transporting and operating heavy equipment, assisting with re-railing and track work, and performing equipment maintenance.
The role requires a strong work ethic, mechanical ability, and the flexibility to respond to emergency calls 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
Schedule & Compensation
- 40 hours guaranteed per week.
- Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
- Hours outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime.
- Per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay may apply.
- During periods without emergency calls, employees assist with safety training, preventive maintenance, and shop activities.
Responsibilities
- Perform pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment according to DOT requirements.
- Safely transport equipment and materials to and from work sites.
- Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials.
- Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders when qualified.
- Assist with railroad re-railing, load adjustment/transfer, track maintenance, repair, grading, and construction activities.
- Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, and operation.
- Perform rigging tasks involving chains, cables, and winches.
- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
- Monitor equipment and vehicles to maintain operational readiness.
- Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service.
- Assist with disassembly and loading of cranes and other equipment.
- Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, supplies, and components after assignments.
- Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas.
- Follow all required safety policies and procedures.
- Assist other departments or work groups as needed.
Requirements
- Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
- Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or another physically demanding field.
- Ability to safely operate and work around heavy machinery.
- Ability to perform physical labor as required at railroad and construction sites.
- Must successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
- Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
- Willingness to travel as job assignments require.
Preferred Experience
- 3+ years operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
- Equivalent combination of training and hands-on experience will be considered.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screening
- Background check