CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery

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

Job Overview

We are hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad recovery, derailment response, and track-related operations. This hands-on field position involves transporting equipment, operating construction machinery, and assisting with rerailing, load transfers, railroad car repairs, and track maintenance or construction.

Driving makes up approximately 10% of the job. Operators must be comfortable performing physical labor, operating heavy equipment, traveling regionally, and responding to emergencies on call 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

Schedule & Compensation

40 hours guaranteed per week.

Significant overtime; typical workweeks average 60+ hours and may reach 70 hours.

Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., are paid at time-and-a-half.

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

Must be available for emergency callouts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment according to company policies and DOT regulations.

• Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites, inspect loads, and verify permits for oversized or overweight loads.

• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.

• Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials for rerailing, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and new construction.

• Assist with crane assembly, inspections, operation, and disassembly as needed.

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

• Assist with rerailing operations and use chains, cables, rigging, and winches safely.

• Support railroad car maintenance and repair, load transfers, grading, track work, and railroad construction activities.

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

• Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe operation and readiness, perform and document minor maintenance, and report complex repairs to the shop manager or foreman.

• Prepare equipment and vehicles for future assignments by restocking parts and supplies and organizing materials.

• Clean job sites and maintain vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.

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

• Complete safety training and preventive maintenance during downtime between emergency assignments.

Required Qualifications

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

Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding role.

Ability to operate heavy equipment and perform hands-on field work.

Willingness to travel regionally and work an on-call schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs.

Commitment to safe, efficient, and professional work practices.

Preferred Experience

Three or more years of heavy equipment operating experience, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.

Experience in railroad rerailing, derailment recovery, track maintenance, or related construction work is an advantage.

Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Pre-employment drug screening.

Background check.

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