CDL A Railroad Equipment Operator

CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator Location: Minneapolis, MN Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Starting Pay: $26.00/hour — higher pay available depending on experience Benefits: Full-time benefits Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime Availability: 24/7 emergency on-call Position Summary Seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response, rerailing, and recovery operations. This field-based position involves commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, rigging, and hands-on railroad work. Driving is only one part of the role. During non-emergency periods, team members may assist with equipment servicing, preventive maintenance, shop activities, and safety training.

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

Transport machinery, equipment, and materials to and from work sites.

Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight and oversized transportation.

Participate in daily safety briefings and review work plans.

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

Support train rerailing, load transfers, railroad car maintenance/repair, and track maintenance, repair, and construction .

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

Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches .

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

Perform specialty lifting, rerailing, load transfer, grading, and railroad construction work.

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 equipment and vehicle service.

Report major mechanical concerns to the appropriate supervisor.

Assist with crane and equipment disassembly and loading after assignments.

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

Clean and organize equipment, vehicles, tools, and work areas.

Assist other departments as needed.

Follow all required safety procedures and regulations.

Equipment Experience 3+ years of heavy equipment operation preferred , including experience with:

Backhoes

Bulldozers

Excavators

Front-end loaders

Grapple trucks

Rail-bound equipment

Tractors

Skid-steer loaders

Equivalent combinations of relevant training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Requirements Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a good driving record.

Construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience.

Ability to safely operate heavy equipment.

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

Comfortable working in emergency-response situations and extended-hour assignments.

Ability to perform physically demanding field work.

Must be available 24/7 for emergency calls , including weekends and holidays.

Schedule & Compensation 40 hours guaranteed per week.

Significant overtime; typical combined regular and overtime hours average 60+ hours per week , with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.

Hours 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 .

During downtime between emergency assignments, employees may assist with safety training, preventive maintenance, and equipment-related shop work .

Pre-Employment Requirements Pre-employment drug screening

Background check

Required qualification and safety testing

Interview: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.