CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator
Location: Candor, NC Job Type: Direct Hire Pay: Starting at $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience
Position Overview
We are hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response, rerailing operations, and related construction activities.
This is primarily a hands-on equipment operation and labor position, not an over-the-road driving job. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the role. Team members must be comfortable operating a variety of construction equipment and performing physical work in an active job-site environment.
Because railroad emergencies can occur at any time, this position requires 24/7 on-call availability, including weekends and holidays.
When emergency assignments are not active, employees may work from the shop completing safety training, equipment inspections, and preventive maintenance (PM).
Schedule & Compensation
- Full-time position with benefits
- 40 hours guaranteed per week
- Average workweek of 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours
- 24/7 on-call emergency response
- Starting pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience
- Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime
- Per diem for qualifying travel
- Hotel expenses for travel
- Layover pay when applicable
Responsibilities
- Respond to railroad derailment and emergency recovery assignments.
- Safely transport equipment and materials to and from work sites.
- Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT requirements.
- Inspect loads and transported machinery and verify applicable transportation permits for overweight or oversized equipment.
- Participate in job-site planning and daily safety briefings.
- Load, unload, stage, secure, and move equipment and materials for assigned projects.
- Assist with rerailing operations, load adjustment/transfer, railroad car maintenance and repair, track maintenance, track repair, grading, and new construction.
- Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including:
- Cranes
- Backhoes
- Bulldozers
- Excavators
- Front-end loaders
- Grapple trucks
- Dump trucks
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractors
- Skid-steer loaders
- Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, operation, disassembly, and loading.
- Perform rigging and connect chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery.
- Use hydraulic 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 maintenance.
- Report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate Shop Manager or Foreman.
- Reload equipment and materials following completion of assignments and assist with job-site cleanup.
- Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, components, and supplies.
- Sort and place scrap materials in designated areas.
- Follow all safety policies and procedures.
- Maintain organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
- Support other departments or work assignments as operational needs require.
Requirements
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
- Previous construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience.
- Ability to operate heavy construction equipment safely and effectively.
- Willingness to perform hands-on physical labor.
- Ability to work in a 24/7 on-call environment, including weekends and holidays.
- Ability to successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
Preferred Experience
3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including one or more of the following:
- Backhoe
- Bulldozer
- Excavator
- Front-end loader
- Grapple truck
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractor
- Skid-steer loader
Equivalent combinations of training and experience may also be considered.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screen
- Background check
Interview Requirement: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.
Benefits
- Full-time employment
- Benefits package
- Guaranteed 40 hours per week
- Overtime opportunities
- Per diem for qualifying assignments
- Hotel accommodations/pay for qualifying travel
- Layover pay when applicable
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