Class A CDL Rail Recovery Equipment Operator
Location: Taneytown, MD Job Type: Direct Hire – Full-Time Starting Pay: $26.00/hour (higher based on experience) Benefits: Full-time benefits included
Position Overview
We are seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support rail recovery and field operations. This position combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, and hands-on support for railroad maintenance and re-railing projects.
Schedule & Pay
- 40 hours guaranteed per week
- Regular and overtime hours typically average 60+ hours per week
- 24/7 on-call availability for emergency response
- Regular schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Hours outside the regular schedule are paid at time-and-a-half
- Per diem for qualifying work
- Hotel pay for travel assignments
- Layover pay when applicable
Responsibilities
- Complete DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections
- Drive tractor-trailers to and from field locations
- Inspect transported loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight equipment
- Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings
- Load, unload, stage, secure, and transport equipment and materials
- Support rail re-railing, railroad car maintenance/repair, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and new construction
- Assist with crane assembly, inspections, and operations
- Assist with rigging chains, cables, and winches during rail recovery operations
- Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steers
- Perform grading, specialty lifting, material transfers, and other site preparation activities
- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and hand tools
- Monitor trucks and equipment to maintain safe operating condition and minimize downtime
- Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing
- Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, site cleanup, and material organization
- Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, components, and supplies
- Sort and place scrap materials in designated areas
- Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas
- Follow all safety procedures and assist other departments as needed
Requirements
- Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
- Good driving record
- Construction, heavy labor, or similar physically demanding work experience
- Ability to pass required qualification, training, and safety programs
- Must be available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, for emergency service calls
Preferred Experience
- 3+ years of heavy equipment operation, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steers
- Equivalent combination of training and experience considered
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screening
- Background check