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 Benefits: Full-time benefits Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime Availability: 24/7 emergency on-call
Position Summary
Seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response, rerailing, and recovery operations. This field-based position involves commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, rigging, and hands-on railroad work.
Driving is only one part of the role. During non-emergency periods, team members may assist with equipment servicing, preventive maintenance, shop activities, and safety training.
Key Duties
- Perform DOT-required inspections before and after operating trucks, trailers, and equipment.
- Safely move equipment, machinery, and materials between work locations.
- Inspect transported loads and verify required permits for oversized or overweight equipment.
- Participate in daily planning meetings and safety briefings.
- Load, unload, position, and stage equipment and materials for railroad and rerailing operations.
- Assist with:
- Train rerailing
- Load adjustment and transfer
- Railroad car maintenance and repair
- Track maintenance and repairs
- New track construction
- Assist with crane assembly, setup, inspection, and operation.
- Perform rigging tasks using chains, cables, and winches.
- Operate and assist with heavy equipment, including:
- Cranes
- Backhoes
- Bulldozers
- Excavators
- Front-end loaders
- Grapple trucks
- Dump trucks
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractors
- Skid-steer loaders
- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
- Monitor trucks and equipment for safe and reliable operation.
- Complete and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing.
- Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, transportation, and post-job cleanup.
- Maintain adequate supplies, parts, and components in vehicles and equipment.
- Keep work areas, vehicles, tools, and equipment clean and organized.
- Follow all applicable safety procedures and requirements.
- Provide support to other crews and departments when needed.
Qualifications
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a good driving record.
- Experience in construction, equipment operation, or physically demanding field work.
- Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
- Ability to successfully complete required qualifications, training, and safety programs.
- Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
- Comfortable performing physical field work and working extended hours when necessary.
Preferred Experience
3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including:
- 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.
Schedule & Compensation
- 40 hours guaranteed per week.
- Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
- Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at the applicable 1.5x overtime rate.
- Per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay may be available when applicable.
- 24/7 on-call availability is required for emergency response.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screening
- Background check
- Required qualification and safety testing
Interview: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.
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