CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Rerail

Job description

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Rerail

Location: Minneapolis, MN 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 recovery and rerailing projects.

This is primarily a field equipment and labor position , not an over-the-road driving job. Driving typically makes up only about 10% of the work . The remainder involves operating heavy equipment, handling materials, assisting with railroad recovery activities, and performing hands-on work at job sites.

Because derailment response can happen at any time, candidates must be comfortable with 24/7 on-call availability , including nights, weekends, and holidays.

During periods without emergency assignments, employees may work at the shop completing equipment preventive maintenance, inspections, and safety training .

Schedule & Compensation - Full-time position with benefits - 40 hours guaranteed per week - Average of 60+ hours per week , 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 time-and-a-half overtime - Per diem for qualifying travel - Hotel expenses for travel - Layover pay when applicable

What You'll Do - Respond to railroad derailments and other emergency recovery assignments. - Support rerailing operations, load adjustment/transfer, railroad car maintenance and repair , and related field activities. - Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites. - Perform DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment. - Inspect loads and transported machinery and verify permits for overweight or oversized equipment. - Load, unload, stage, secure, and position equipment and materials. - Participate in daily job planning and safety meetings. - Assist with the setup, inspection, assembly, operation, disassembly, and loading of cranes and other equipment. - Perform rigging activities using chains, cables, and winches . - Operate equipment when qualified, including: - Cranes - Backhoes - Bulldozers - Excavators - Front-end loaders - Grapple trucks - Dump trucks - Rail-bound equipment - Tractors - Skid-steer loaders - Assist with specialty lifting, rerailing, load transfer, track work, grading, and railroad construction activities. - Work with hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools . - Monitor vehicles and equipment and report maintenance issues. - Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service. - Assist with equipment breakdown, loading, job-site cleanup, and material organization. - Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies. - Sort and place scrap materials in designated areas. - Maintain clean and organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas. - Follow all safety requirements and work carefully around coworkers, equipment, and changing job-site conditions. - Assist other departments or crews when operational needs require.

Requirements - Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record. - Construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience. - Ability to safely operate heavy construction equipment. - Comfortable performing hands-on physical labor. - Ability to remain available 24/7 for emergency service calls , including weekends and holidays. - Ability to successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.

Preferred Experience

3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience , including: - Backhoe - Bulldozer - Excavator - Front-end loader - Grapple truck - Rail-bound equipment - Tractor - Skid-steer loader

Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements - Drug screen - Background check

Interview Requirement: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.