CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator

CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Location: Regional Travel
Starting Pay: $26/hour — higher pay available based on experience
Benefits: Full benefits package

Position Overview

Seeking a Class A CDL driver with heavy equipment experience to support railroad emergency response and construction activities. This position combines commercial driving, equipment operation, material handling, and hands-on field work related to train derailment recovery, track work, and railroad equipment.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week
• Average of 60+ hours/week including regular and overtime hours
• 24/7 on-call availability for emergency response, including weekends and holidays
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime
• Per diem provided
• Hotel expenses covered for travel
• Layover pay when applicable

Responsibilities

• Complete DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment
• Safely operate tractor-trailers and transport equipment/materials to and from job sites
• Inspect loads and verify permits for oversize and overweight transportation
• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings
• Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials for field operations
• Support train re-railing, load transfer, track maintenance/repair, grading, and railroad construction
• Assist with setup, inspection, assembly, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment
• Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery
• Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid steers
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and hand tools
• Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe and reliable operation
• Perform and document minor equipment/vehicle servicing and report major mechanical issues
• Assist with crane and equipment breakdown, loading, and transport after completing assignments
• Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, components, and supplies
• Sort and properly dispose of scrap materials
• Keep vehicles, equipment, and work areas clean, organized, and ready for use
• Follow all required safety policies and procedures
• Assist other departments or teams as needed to meet operational requirements

Requirements

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record
• Experience in construction labor, heavy equipment, or another physically demanding field role
• Ability to successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs
• Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in an active field environment

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders, or an equivalent combination of training and experience

Pre-Employment Requirements