Railroad Rerail Equipment Operator – CDL-A
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 Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime Availability: 24/7 emergency on-call Benefits: Full-time benefits Position Overview Seeking a Class A CDL professional to support railroad recovery and field operations. This is primarily a hands-on equipment and field position—driving accounts for approximately 10% of the job. The role involves heavy equipment operation, material handling, rigging, railroad recovery, and physical work at job sites. Candidates must be comfortable with a 24/7 emergency on-call schedule, including weekends and holidays.
What You'll Do Respond to train derailments and assist with rerailing, load transfer, and railroad track repair or construction.
Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders .
Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites and inspect loads, permits, trucks, trailers, and machinery.
Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections in accordance with DOT requirements.
Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, disassembly, and loading.
Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches during derailment operations.
Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials at job sites.
Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools .
Perform minor equipment and vehicle service, including basic maintenance, and report more complex repairs.
Participate in job-site safety meetings and daily work planning.
Monitor equipment to help maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.
Clean and organize vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
Restock equipment and vehicles with required parts, supplies, and components after assignments.
Sort and properly store scrap materials.
Assist other departments or crews as needed.
Schedule & Compensation 40 hours guaranteed per week
Significant overtime; typical weeks average 60+ hours , with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime .
24/7 emergency on-call availability is required.
Per diem, hotel pay for qualifying travel, and layover pay may be available.
Requirements Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
Experience in construction, industrial work, or another physically demanding labor environment.
Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
Comfortable responding to emergency calls at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to perform physical job-site work and work safely around heavy equipment.
Preferred Experience 3+ years operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
Equivalent combinations of training and hands-on experience may be considered.
Pre-Employment Requirements Drug screening
Background check
Interview: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots.