CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Railroad Rerail Equipment Operator – CDL-A Location: Minneapolis, MN Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Pay: Starting at $26.00/hour; higher pay available depending on experience Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime Availability: 24/7 emergency on-call Benefits: Full-time benefits Position Overview We are hiring a CDL-A Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and rerailing operations. This is a hands-on position that combines heavy equipment operation, CDL driving, equipment maintenance, and physical job-site work. Driving is approximately 10% of the role. Candidates must be comfortable with 24/7 emergency on-call work, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT regulations and company procedures.
• Drive tractor-trailers to transport machinery, tools, and materials to and from job sites.
• Inspect transported loads and verify permits for overweight and oversized equipment.
• Participate in daily safety briefings and review work plans before beginning assignments.
• Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials at job sites.
• Assist with specialized lifting, equipment recovery, material transfers, and railroad construction-related activities.
• Help assemble, inspect, and operate cranes and other heavy machinery.
• Connect and secure chains, cables, and winches during equipment recovery operations.
• Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, and skid steers, as qualified.
• Use hydraulic equipment, welding tools, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools as needed.
• Monitor equipment condition and report mechanical issues to help prevent downtime.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance and minor repairs.
• Assist with dismantling, loading, and securing machinery when assignments are completed.
• Clean work areas, organize tools, sort scrap materials, and restock vehicles and equipment for future assignments.
• Follow all company safety procedures and maintain equipment, vehicles, and work areas in good condition.
• Assist other departments with additional field assignments as business needs require.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
• Previous construction, industrial labor, or similar hands-on work experience.
• Comfortable performing physical labor and working in demanding outdoor environments.
• Ability to operate different types of heavy equipment and construction machinery.
• Willingness to complete required safety training and qualification assessments.
• Must be available for emergency on-call assignments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred Experience:

• 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment, including:
• Backhoes
• Bulldozers
• Excavators
• Front-end loaders
• Grapple trucks
• Rail-bound equipment
• Tractors
• Skid-steer loaders
• Equivalent combinations of equipment training and hands-on experience will also be considered.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.
• Average workweek of approximately 60+ hours, with the possibility of reaching 70 hours.
• Significant overtime opportunities.
• Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked outside the regular Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule.
• Per diem and hotel accommodations for qualifying travel assignments.
• Layover pay when applicable.

Important: This position requires flexibility and availability for emergency response assignments throughout the year.

Additional Requirements

• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Must pass a background check.
• Steel-toed boots are required for the interview.