CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator / Laborer

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator / Laborer

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Location: Multiple Locations Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay depending on experience

Position Summary

We are seeking dependable Class A CDL drivers with heavy equipment operating experience for a field-based role involving emergency railroad recovery, equipment transportation, construction support, and maintenance activities.

This position combines commercial driving, equipment operation, and hands-on physical labor. Driving accounts for approximately 10% of the job, with most time spent operating machinery, handling materials, and supporting field crews.

Schedule and Compensation

40 hours guaranteed per week, with significant overtime.

Average of 60 hours per week, with some weeks reaching 70 hours.

Must be available for emergency callouts 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM, are paid at 1.5 times the regular rate.

Additional compensation includes per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.

Full-time benefits are available.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations.

• Transport equipment and materials safely to and from job sites using tractor-trailers.

• Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized and overweight equipment.

• Participate in daily safety briefings and coordinate work activities with field crews.

• Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials before, during, and after field assignments.

• Operate heavy equipment, including cranes, backhoes, excavators, grapple trucks, dump trucks, bulldozers, front-end loaders, and skid steers, as qualified.

• Assist with equipment assembly, rigging, and the use of chains, cables, and winches during emergency recovery operations.

• Support railroad construction, equipment recovery, load transfers, grading, railcar maintenance, and related field activities.

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

• Perform basic equipment servicing and preventive maintenance, document completed work, and report more complex mechanical issues.

• Prepare equipment for transport, restock vehicles with necessary supplies, and organize tools and materials.

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

• Follow all safety procedures and assist other departments as needed to meet operational requirements.

Required Qualifications

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

Experience in construction, industrial labor, equipment handling, or a similar physically demanding role.

Ability to operate heavy equipment safely or demonstrate the aptitude to qualify through required training.

Willingness to perform hands-on labor in varying field conditions.

Availability for 24/7 emergency response, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Ability to complete required safety training and qualification assessments.

Preferred Qualifications

Three or more years of heavy equipment operating experience.

Experience with cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, tractor equipment, skid steers, or similar machinery.

Experience with rigging, hydraulic tools, welding, torch cutting, or basic mechanical maintenance.

A combination of relevant training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Drug screening.

Background check.

Interview Reminder: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.