CDL A Railroad Equipment Operator

CDL A Railroad Equipment Operator

Location: Minneapolis, MN
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour — higher pay available depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Availability: 24/7 emergency on-call
Benefits: Full-time benefits

Position Overview

Seeking aClass A CDL professional to support railroad recovery and field operations. This is primarily a hands-on equipment and field position—driving accounts for approximately 10% of the job.

The role involves heavy equipment operation, material handling, rigging, railroad recovery, and physical work at job sites. Candidates must be comfortable with a24/7 emergency on-call schedule, including weekends and holidays.

What You'll Do

• Perform DOT-compliant pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Transport machinery, equipment, and materials to and from work sites.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight and oversized transportation.
• Participate in daily safety briefings and review work plans.
• Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials.
• Supporttrain rerailing, load transfers, railroad car maintenance/repair, and track maintenance, repair, and construction.
• Assist with the assembly, setup, inspection, and operation of cranes and other equipment.
• Perform rigging usingchains, cables, and winches.
• Operate heavy equipment when qualified, includingcranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and excavators.
• Perform specialty lifting, rerailing, load transfer, grading, and railroad construction work.
• Usehydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe and reliable operation.
• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service.
• Report major mechanical concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Assist with crane and equipment disassembly and loading after assignments.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies.
• Clean and organize equipment, vehicles, tools, and work areas.
• Assist other departments as needed.
• Follow all required safety procedures and regulations.

Equipment Experience

3+ years of heavy equipment operation preferred, including experience with:

• • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Excavators
  • Front-end loaders
  • Grapple trucks
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractors
  • Skid-steer loaders

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

Requirements

• ValidClass A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a good driving record.
• Construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment.
• Ability to complete required qualification testing, training, and safety programs.
• Comfortable working in emergency-response situations and extended-hour assignments.
• Ability to perform physically demanding field work.
• Must be available24/7 for emergency calls, including weekends and holidays.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.
• Significant overtime; typical combined regular and overtime hours average60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
• Hours outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid attime-and-a-half.
• Additional compensation may includeper diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.
• During downtime between emergency assignments, employees may assist withsafety training, preventive maintenance, and equipment-related shop work.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• • Pre-employment drug screening
  • Background check
  • Required qualification and safety testing

  Interview: Candidates must bringsteel-toed boots to the interview.