Railroad CDL Operator – Allentown, PA
CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Location: Regional Travel Starting Pay: $26/hour — higher pay available based on experience Benefits: Full benefits package Position Overview Seeking a Class A CDL driver with heavy equipment experience to support railroad emergency response and construction activities. This position combines commercial driving, equipment operation, material handling, and hands-on field work related to train derailment recovery, track work, and railroad equipment.
Schedule & Compensation 40 hours guaranteed per week
Regular and overtime hours average 60+ hours per week
24/7 on-call availability for emergency response
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM is the regular schedule
Hours worked outside the regular schedule are paid at 1.5x overtime
Per diem available for qualifying travel
Hotel pay for travel assignments
Layover pay when applicable
Key Responsibilities Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment according to DOT requirements and established procedures.
Operate tractor-trailers to and from work sites while inspecting transported loads and equipment.
Review transportation permits and confirm overweight/oversize load specifications are accurate.
Attend daily job planning discussions and safety briefings before beginning field activities.
Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for rerailing, load transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and new construction.
Assist with site preparation, cleanup, equipment breakdown, and secure loading at the completion of assignments.
Assist with the setup, inspection, rigging, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.
Connect and work with chains, cables, and winches during derailment and rerailing operations.
Operate equipment safely while maintaining awareness of surrounding personnel, vehicles, and site conditions.
Operate equipment such as:
Cranes
Backhoes
Grapple trucks
Dump trucks
Excavators
Bulldozers
Front-end loaders
Rail-bound equipment
Tractor and skid-steer loaders
Support specialty lifting, rerailing, load transfers, grading, track repair, and railroad construction activities.
Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as required.
Monitor vehicles and equipment to help maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.
Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing; report more complex mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
Assist with crane and equipment disassembly and loading when assignments are complete.
Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, components, and supplies upon returning to the home base.
Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.
Maintain organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
Remove debris and trash and maintain the expected level of quality and workmanship.
Follow all required safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
Assist other departments or divisions when needed to support business operations and customer requirements.
Requirements Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Good driving record
Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding field
Ability to successfully complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs
Must be available 24/7 , including weekends and holidays, for emergency service calls
Ability to safely perform physical work in field and construction environments
Preferred Experience 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience , including equipment such as:
Backhoe
Bulldozer
Excavator
Front-end loader
Grapple truck
Rail-bound equipment
Tractor
Skid-steer loader
Equivalent combination of training and hands-on experience may be considered.
Pre-Employment Requirements Drug screening
Background check