CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator

Railroad CDL Operator – Allentown, PA Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Location: Regional Travel Starting Pay: $26/hour — higher depending on experience Benefits: Full benefits package Position Overview We are hiring Class A CDL operators for a regional railroad support position involving emergency derailment response, equipment transportation, rerailing work, track projects, and related field operations. In this role, you will transport and handle equipment and materials, operate heavy equipment when qualified, and support field crews with rerailing, load transfers, railroad car maintenance, track repair, and new track construction.

What You'll Do Complete DOT-required pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.

Transport machinery and materials to and from work sites and verify loads and permits.

Load, unload, position, and secure equipment and materials.

Participate in job planning and daily safety briefings.

Support railroad re-railing, load transfers, track maintenance, repairs, and new construction .

Assist with crane and equipment setup, inspections, assembly, and operation.

Perform rigging activities using chains, cables, and winches.

Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including:

Cranes

Backhoes

Grapple trucks

Dump trucks

Excavators

Bulldozers

Front-end loaders

Rail-bound equipment

Tractors

Skid-steer loaders

Use hydraulic tools, welding and cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.

Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe, reliable operation.

Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service.

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

Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, supplies, and components.

Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.

Maintain clean, organized, and job-ready vehicles, equipment, and work areas.

Support other departments or work groups when needed.

Follow all required safety procedures and maintain quality standards.

Required Qualifications Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) .

Good driving record.

Experience in construction, field labor, or another physically demanding role.

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

Willingness to respond to emergency service calls 24/7 , including weekends and holidays.

Ability to work in a physically demanding outdoor environment.

Preferred Experience 3+ years of heavy equipment operation involving equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.

Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.

Schedule & Compensation 40 hours guaranteed per week

Average 60+ hours per week , with significant overtime

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

24/7 on-call emergency response

Per diem

Hotel accommodations/pay for qualifying travel

Layover pay when applicable

Full benefits package

Pre-Employment Requirements Drug screening

Background check