CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Class A CDL Heavy Equipment Specialist Location: Regional Travel Required Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Starting Pay: From $26.00 per hour (higher compensation may be available based on experience) Position Overview We are looking for a Class A CDL Heavy Equipment Specialist to support railroad emergency response and recovery operations. This hands-on role combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, and construction-related work to help restore rail service following derailments and other rail incidents. When emergency deployments are not active, team members assist with equipment maintenance, inspections, safety training, and shop operations to ensure readiness for future response efforts.

Schedule & Compensation Full-time, direct hire

Guaranteed 40 hours per week

Average 60+ hours per week with overtime

On-call 24/7 for emergency response, including nights, weekends, and holidays

Overtime paid after the standard work schedule

Per diem, hotel accommodations, and layover pay provided for qualifying travel

Responsibilities Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment in compliance with DOT regulations.

Safely transport heavy equipment and materials to and from job sites.

Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials.

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

Assist with rerailing operations, railroad car repairs, load transfers, track maintenance, grading, and new track construction.

Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and hand tools.

Assist with crane assembly, rigging, chains, cables, and winches.

Monitor equipment condition and perform routine inspections and minor maintenance.

Restock vehicles and equipment following assignments.

Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas.

Follow all company safety policies and participate in daily safety meetings.

Support other operational departments as needed.

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

Experience performing construction labor or other physically demanding work.

Ability to pass required safety and qualification training.

Availability to respond to emergency call-outs 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders , or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Pre-Employment Requirements Background check

Drug screening