CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator
CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Candor, NC Job Type: Direct Hire Pay: Starting at $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience Position Overview We are hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response, rerailing operations, and related construction activities. This is primarily a hands-on equipment operation and labor position, not an over-the-road driving job. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the role. Team members must be comfortable operating a variety of construction equipment and performing physical work in an active job-site environment. Because railroad emergencies can occur at any time, this position requires 24/7 on-call availability, including weekends and holidays. When emergency assignments are not active, employees may work from the shop completing safety training, equipment inspections, and preventive maintenance (PM).
Responsibilities Perform pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT requirements.
Transport equipment and materials safely to and from work sites.
Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized and overweight equipment.
Participate in daily job planning and safety briefings.
Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials for rerailing and railroad projects.
Assist with train rerailing, load adjustment/transfer, track maintenance, repairs, construction, and grading.
Help assemble, inspect, set up, and operate cranes and other heavy equipment.
Assist with rigging and connecting chains, cables, and winches.
Operate equipment including:
Cranes
Backhoes
Bulldozers
Excavators
Front-end loaders
Grapple trucks
Dump trucks
Rail-bound equipment
Tractors
Skid-steer loaders
Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
Monitor vehicles and equipment to maintain safe and reliable operation.
Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service.
Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, and site cleanup.
Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies.
Maintain clean and organized work areas, vehicles, tools, and equipment.
Follow all required safety procedures.
Assist other teams or departments when needed.
Requirements Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a good driving record.
Construction, equipment operation, or other physically demanding labor experience.
Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
Must be available 24/7 for emergency response , including weekends and holidays.
Comfortable working extended hours and performing physical field work.
Preferred Experience 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience , including:
Backhoe
Bulldozer
Excavator
Front-end loader
Grapple truck
Rail-bound equipment
Tractor
Skid-steer loader
Equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
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 time-and-a-half overtime rates .
Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay , 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.