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.