Heavy Equipment Field Operator (CDL-A)

Rail Operations Equipment Specialist (CDL Class A) Location: Taneytown, MD Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Starting Salary: From $57,200 per year (Higher starting pay available based on experience) About the Role Join a specialized field operations team that responds to railroad emergencies, supports track maintenance, and assists with infrastructure projects throughout the region. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys operating heavy equipment, working outdoors, and being part of a team that performs time-sensitive recovery work. A Class A CDL is required; however, this is not an over-the-road driving position. In addition to transporting equipment, you'll operate machinery, assist with field operations, and help maintain equipment readiness. When emergency assignments are not active, employees assist with preventive maintenance, equipment inspections, safety training, and shop support.

Schedule Requirements Guaranteed 40 hours per week

Average workweek of 60+ hours, including overtime

Must be available for emergency call-outs 24/7, including weekends and holidays

Pay & Benefits Starting salary from $57,200 annually

Overtime paid at 1.5x the regular rate for hours worked outside the standard Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM schedule

Per diem available for eligible travel

Hotel accommodations provided for overnight assignments

Layover pay when applicable

Comprehensive benefits package

Responsibilities Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment according to DOT requirements and safety standards.

Transport heavy equipment, machinery, and materials to job sites using a Class A CDL tractor-trailer.

Verify equipment condition, permits, and requirements for oversized and overweight loads.

Participate in daily planning meetings and required safety briefings.

Load, unload, organize, and stage equipment and materials for railroad maintenance, grading, repairs, new track construction, load transfers, and recovery operations.

Assist with recovery operations by helping assemble and operate cranes and specialty lifting equipment.

Safely connect chains, cables, winches, and rigging equipment following established procedures.

Operate a variety of heavy equipment, including:

Cranes

Backhoes

Excavators

Grapple trucks

Dump trucks

Bulldozers

Front-end loaders

Rail-bound equipment

Tractors

Skid-steer loaders

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

Monitor equipment performance and identify maintenance concerns.

Complete minor equipment servicing and document completed maintenance.

Assist with dismantling, loading, and securing cranes and specialty equipment after assignments.

Restock tools, supplies, and replacement parts to maintain emergency readiness.

Maintain clean vehicles, equipment, and organized work areas.

Perform additional operational duties as assigned.

Follow all company safety policies and procedures.

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

Experience performing physically demanding work in construction, industrial, railroad, or similar environments.

Ability to complete required qualification testing and safety training.

Must be available for emergency response assignments at any time, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Ability to work outdoors in changing weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks.

Preferred Experience Candidates with 3 or more years of heavy equipment operation experience are preferred.

Experience operating the following equipment is highly valued:

Backhoe

Bulldozer

Excavator

Front-end loader

Grapple truck

Rail-bound equipment

Tractor

Skid-steer loader

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and hands-on experience will be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening

Successful completion of a background check

About the Opportunity This position is a great fit for individuals who enjoy operating heavy equipment, solving problems in the field, and working as part of a team on challenging assignments. The role offers competitive starting pay, overtime opportunities, travel benefits, and the opportunity to build a long-term career supporting critical infrastructure operations.