CDL-A Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery

CDL-A Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery

Location: Allentown, PA | Regional Travel Required Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with potential for higher pay based on experience Benefits: Full benefits package, overtime, per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay when applicable

Position Overview

We are seeking a dependable Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad recovery, rerailing, and related field operations throughout the region. This hands-on position combines equipment transportation, heavy equipment operation, and physical labor at railroad and construction sites.

Driving is only one part of the role. Team members also help prepare equipment, assist with recovery operations, perform basic maintenance, and maintain safe and organized work areas. When emergency assignments are not active, employees may participate in safety training and preventive maintenance activities.

This position requires flexibility, a strong commitment to safety, and the ability to respond to emergency calls at any time.

Schedule & Compensation

Guaranteed 40 hours per week

Regular overtime opportunities, with total weekly hours averaging 60 or more; some weeks may reach approximately 70 hours

On-call availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays

Time-and-a-half overtime pay for hours outside the regular Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. schedule, as applicable

Per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay when applicable

Full benefits package

Key Responsibilities

• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company procedures and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

• Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites using tractor-trailers and other assigned vehicles.

• Inspect transported loads and verify that permits for oversized or overweight equipment meet applicable requirements.

• Participate in daily work-planning discussions and safety briefings before starting field assignments.

• Load, unload, move, and stage materials and equipment for rerailing, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, track repair, and railroad construction.

• Assist with assembling, inspecting, and operating cranes and other heavy equipment when qualified.

• Support rerailing and recovery work by helping connect chains, cables, winches, and other rigging components.

• Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, excavators, grapple trucks, dump trucks, front-end loaders, bulldozers, skid steers, and other assigned machinery as qualified.

• Perform tasks involving specialty lifting, load transfers, grading, track work, and preparation for railroad construction.

• Use hydraulic equipment, welding and cutting tools, electrical tools, and common hand tools as required.

• Monitor vehicles and machinery to help prevent downtime and maintain operational readiness.

• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing, referring complex mechanical problems to the Shop Manager or Foreman.

• Assist with dismantling, loading, and securing cranes and other equipment when field assignments are completed.

• Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies upon returning to the home base.

• Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.

• Keep vehicles, equipment, and work areas clean, organized, and free of unnecessary debris.

• Follow all required safety policies and procedures and remain aware of coworkers and surrounding job-site conditions.

• Assist other departments or teams as needed to support operational requirements.

Required Qualifications

Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) and a good driving record.

Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding role.

Ability to perform hands-on work, including lifting, equipment preparation, and field support activities.

Willingness and ability to remain on call for emergency assignments, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Ability to complete required qualification tests and participate in safety and training programs.

Commitment to safe work practices and following operating procedures.

Preferred Experience

Three or more years of heavy equipment operating experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Experience operating equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.

Experience with equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, rigging, construction, or railroad-related work is an advantage.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Pre-employment drug screening

Background check

Interview Preparation

Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.