CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad

CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad

Location: West Chicago, IL Job Type: Direct Hire Starting Pay: $26.00/hour — higher pay may be available depending on experience Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime Travel: Local and out-of-area emergency assignments Benefits: Full-time position with benefits

Position Overview

Looking for a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad recovery, construction, transportation, and field operations. This is a hands-on position involving driving, heavy equipment operation, rigging, material handling, and railroad work.

24/7 emergency availability is required, including weekends and holidays.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections.

• Transport trucks, machinery, materials, and equipment to and from work sites.

• Verify loads and required permits for oversized or overweight transportation.

• Review work plans and participate in job-site safety meetings.

• Load, unload, position, and stage equipment and materials.

• Assist with railroad recovery operations involving:

• Train rerailing

• Load transfers

• Track maintenance and repairs

• Construction activities

• Help set up, inspect, and operate cranes and other heavy equipment.

• Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches.

• Assist with equipment breakdown, transportation, and cleanup after assignments.

• Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe and reliable operation.

• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing.

• Keep vehicles, tools, equipment, and work areas clean and organized.

• Maintain required parts, supplies, and components.

• Follow safety procedures and required work practices.

• Assist other teams and departments when needed.

Equipment & Tools

Experience with any of the following is valuable:

Cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.

Additional tools include:

• Hydraulic tools

• Welding equipment

• Cutting torches

• Electrical tools

• Hand tools

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.

• Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or physically demanding field work.

• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment.

• Ability to complete required training, qualification testing, and safety programs.

• Comfortable working in emergency-response situations and extended-hour assignments.

• Ability to perform physically demanding work in field conditions.

• Must be available for 24/7 emergency calls, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Experience

3+ years of heavy equipment operation preferred, including experience with backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.

Equivalent relevant training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Hours & Additional Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.

• Typical schedules average 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.

• Work outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM is paid at the applicable 1.5x overtime rate.

• Per diem, hotel expenses for required travel, and layover pay may be available when applicable.

• Local and out-of-area emergency assignments may be required.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening

• Background check

• Required qualification and safety testing

• Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.