Heavy Equipment & CDL Field Operator

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Taneytown, MD Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Starting Salary: $57,200.00, with higher pay possible based on experience Position Overview Seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and equipment operations. This position involves traveling to derailment sites, transporting and operating heavy equipment, assisting with re-railing and track work, and performing equipment maintenance. The role requires a strong work ethic, mechanical ability, and the flexibility to respond to emergency calls 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

Schedule & Compensation 40 hours guaranteed each week

Regular and overtime hours may average 60+ hours per week

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 time-and-a-half

Per diem available

Hotel pay provided for qualifying travel

Layover pay may apply when hours exceed scheduled work requirements

Full-time position with benefits

Key Responsibilities Perform required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT regulations and company procedures.

Operate tractor-trailers safely to and from job sites.

Inspect transported equipment and loads and verify permits for overweight and oversize transportation.

Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.

Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials for field operations.

Support railroad re-railing, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and new construction activities.

Assist with the assembly, inspection, setup, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.

Assist with rigging chains, cables, and winches during railroad recovery operations.

Operate equipment safely while maintaining awareness of coworkers, surroundings, and site conditions.

Operate cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and other equipment when qualified.

Support specialty lifting, re-railing, load transfer, grading, track work, and railroad construction activities.

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

Monitor equipment and vehicles to help maintain operational readiness and reduce downtime.

Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service and report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate supervisor.

Assist with equipment disassembly and loading at the completion of field assignments.

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

Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.

Assist other departments or divisions when needed to meet operational requirements.

Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas.

Follow all required safety policies and procedures.

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

Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding position.

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

Ability to remain available 24/7 for emergency service calls, including weekends and holidays.

Ability to work safely in outdoor and physically demanding environments.

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

Backhoe

Bulldozer

Excavator

Front-end loader

Grapple truck

Rail-bound equipment

Tractor

Skid-steer loader

An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements Drug screening

Background check