CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Rerail
CDL-A Driver/Operator – Rerail Location: Minneapolis, MN Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Starting Pay: $26.00/hour (Higher pay available depending on experience) Benefits: Full-time position with benefits Position Overview We are seeking experienced Class A CDL drivers for a hands-on position supporting train derailment response and railroad-related operations. This role involves the safe transportation and operation of equipment and materials, along with assisting with rerailing operations, railroad car maintenance and repair, load adjustments/transfers, and track maintenance, repair, and construction. The ideal candidate is safety-focused, dependable, physically capable, and comfortable working in an emergency-response environment.
Schedule & Compensation Full-time position with benefits
40 hours guaranteed per week
Average of 60+ hours per week , with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours
24/7 on-call emergency response
Starting pay: $26.00/hour , with higher pay available depending on experience
Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half overtime
Per diem for qualifying travel
Hotel expenses for travel
Layover pay when applicable
What You'll Do Respond to railroad derailments and other emergency recovery assignments.
Support rerailing operations, load adjustment/transfer, railroad car maintenance and repair , and related field activities.
Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites.
Perform DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
Inspect loads and transported machinery and verify permits for overweight or oversized equipment.
Load, unload, stage, secure, and position equipment and materials.
Participate in daily job planning and safety meetings.
Assist with the setup, inspection, assembly, operation, disassembly, and loading of cranes and other equipment.
Perform rigging activities using chains, cables, and winches .
Operate equipment when qualified, including:
Cranes
Backhoes
Bulldozers
Excavators
Front-end loaders
Grapple trucks
Dump trucks
Rail-bound equipment
Tractors
Skid-steer loaders
Assist with specialty lifting, rerailing, load transfer, track work, grading, and railroad construction activities.
Work with hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools .
Monitor vehicles and equipment and report maintenance issues.
Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service.
Assist with equipment breakdown, loading, job-site cleanup, and material organization.
Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies.
Sort and place scrap materials in designated areas.
Maintain clean and organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
Follow all safety requirements and work carefully around coworkers, equipment, and changing job-site conditions.
Assist other departments or crews when operational needs require.
Requirements Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
Construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience.
Ability to safely operate heavy construction equipment.
Comfortable performing hands-on physical labor.
Ability to remain available 24/7 for emergency service calls , including weekends and holidays.
Ability to successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
Preferred Experience 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience , including:
Backhoe
Bulldozer
Excavator
Front-end loader
Grapple truck
Rail-bound equipment
Tractor
Skid-steer loader
Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.
Pre-Employment Requirements Drug screen
Background check
Interview Requirement: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.