CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Job description

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