CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator Location: Candor, NC Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Starting Pay: $26.00/hour — higher pay available depending on experience Benefits: Full-time benefits Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime Availability: 24/7 emergency on-call Position Overview We are seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and rerailing projects. This is a hands-on position combining equipment operation, commercial driving, material handling, and physical field work. Driving makes up only a portion of the role. When not responding to emergencies, employees may work in the shop, complete preventive maintenance, and participate in safety training.

Responsibilities Conduct DOT-required inspections before and after operating trucks, trailers, and equipment.

Transport machinery, materials, and supplies safely to work locations.

Check cargo and confirm permits for oversized or overweight loads.

Take part in daily planning, safety meetings, and job briefings.

Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials for railroad and rerailing work.

Assist with:

Train rerailing

Load adjustment and transfer

Track maintenance and repairs

Railroad construction

Grading

Assist with crane assembly, setup, inspection, and operation.

Perform rigging activities using chains, cables, and winches.

Operate or assist with the following equipment:

Cranes

Backhoes

Bulldozers

Excavators

Front-end loaders

Grapple trucks

Dump trucks

Rail-bound equipment

Tractors

Skid-steer loaders

Work with hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.

Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe and dependable operation.

Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing.

Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, transportation, and job-site cleanup.

Keep vehicles and equipment stocked with necessary parts, components, and supplies.

Maintain orderly work areas, vehicles, tools, and equipment.

Follow all applicable safety requirements.

Provide support to other teams or departments as needed.

Qualifications Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a good driving record.

Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or other physically demanding labor.

Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.

Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.

Must be available for 24/7 emergency response , including weekends and holidays.

Able to perform physical field work and work extended hours when required.

Preferred Experience 3+ years of heavy equipment operation , including experience with:

Backhoes

Bulldozers

Excavators

Front-end loaders

Grapple trucks

Rail-bound equipment

Tractors

Skid-steer loaders

Equivalent combinations of relevant training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Schedule & Compensation 40 hours guaranteed per week.

Typical workweeks average 60+ hours , with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours .

Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at the applicable 1.5x overtime rate .

Per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay may be available when applicable.

24/7 on-call availability is required for emergency response.

Pre-Employment Requirements Drug screening

Background check

Required qualification and safety testing

Interview: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.