Railroad CDL-A Equipment Specialist
CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Field Operations Job Type: Full-Time Hire with Benefits Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly; significant overtime, with an average of 60+ combined regular and overtime hours per week Availability: 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays Pay: Starting at $26/hour; higher starting rates may be available based on experience. Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half. Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable. Position Summary We are seeking a Class A CDL Heavy Equipment Operator for regional field work supporting railroad recovery and construction activities. The role combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, and hands-on field support. Responsibilities may include railroad rerailing, railcar maintenance and repair, load adjustment or transfer, track maintenance, track repair, grading, and new construction.
Schedule & Pay 40 hours guaranteed per week
Regular and overtime hours average 60+ hours per week
24/7 on-call rotation 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 for qualifying assignments
Hotel expenses provided for travel
Layover pay when applicable
What You'll Do Perform DOT-required pre- and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment
Drive tractor-trailers to and from work sites and safely transport equipment and materials
Inspect loads and verify permits for oversize and overweight equipment
Participate in daily job planning and safety meetings
Load, unload, stage, secure, and transport equipment and materials
Support train derailment recovery and re-railing operations
Assist with railroad car maintenance/repair, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, repairs, new builds, and grading
Help assemble, inspect, rig, and operate cranes and other equipment
Connect and work with chains, cables, and winches during derailment operations
Operate equipment including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders
Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools
Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe and reliable operation
Perform and document minor maintenance and report more complex mechanical issues
Assist with crane and equipment disassembly and loading after assignments
Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies
Sort scrap materials and maintain organized work areas
Keep vehicles, equipment, and job sites clean and properly maintained
Follow all required safety procedures and remain aware of coworkers and surroundings
Assist other departments or teams as needed
Requirements Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A)
Good driving record
Construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience
Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs
Availability for 24/7 emergency response , including weekends and holidays
Ability to work safely in an active field environment
Preferred Experience 3+ years of heavy equipment operation , including:
Backhoe
Bulldozer
Excavator
Front-end loader
Grapple truck
Rail-bound equipment
Tractor
Skid-steer loader
Equivalent combination of training and experience will also be considered
Pre-Employment Requirements Drug screening
Background check