CDL-A Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery
qualdoc · Allentown, PA · onsite
CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery
Location: Allentown, PA | Regional Travel Required
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, higher depending on experience
Benefits: Full benefits package, overtime, per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable
Job Overview
We are hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad recovery, derailment response, and track-related operations. This hands-on field position involves transporting equipment, operating construction machinery, and assisting with rerailing, load transfers, railroad car repairs, and track maintenance or construction.
Driving makes up approximately 10% of the job. Operators must be comfortable performing physical labor, operating heavy equipment, traveling regionally, and responding to emergencies on call 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
Schedule & Compensation:
- Guaranteed 40 hours per week
- Regular overtime opportunities, with total weekly hours averaging 60 or more; some weeks may reach approximately 70 hours
- On-call availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays
- Time-and-a-half overtime pay for hours outside the regular Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. schedule, as applicable
- Per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay when applicable
- Full benefits package
Key Responsibilities:
- Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company procedures and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
- Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites using tractor-trailers and other assigned vehicles.
- Inspect transported loads and verify that permits for oversized or overweight equipment meet applicable requirements.
- Participate in daily work-planning discussions and safety briefings before starting field assignments.
- Load, unload, move, and stage materials and equipment for rerailing, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, track repair, and railroad construction.
- Assist with assembling, inspecting, and operating cranes and other heavy equipment when qualified.
- Support rerailing and recovery work by helping connect chains, cables, winches, and other rigging components.
- Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, excavators, grapple trucks, dump trucks, front-end loaders, bulldozers, skid steers, and other assigned machinery as qualified.
- Perform tasks involving specialty lifting, load transfers, grading, track work, and preparation for railroad construction.
- Use hydraulic equipment, welding and cutting tools, electrical tools, and common hand tools as required.
- Monitor vehicles and machinery to help prevent downtime and maintain operational readiness.
- Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing, referring complex mechanical problems to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
- Assist with dismantling, loading, and securing cranes and other equipment when field assignments are completed.
- Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies upon returning to the home base.
- Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.
- Keep vehicles, equipment, and work areas clean, organized, and free of unnecessary debris.
- Follow all required safety policies and procedures and remain aware of coworkers and surrounding job-site conditions.
- Assist other departments or teams as needed to support operational requirements.
Required Qualifications:
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) and a good driving record.
- Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding role.
- Ability to perform hands-on work, including lifting, equipment preparation, and field support activities.
- Willingness and ability to remain on call for emergency assignments, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Ability to complete required qualification tests and participate in safety and training programs.
- Commitment to safe work practices and following operating procedures.
Preferred Experience:
- Three or more years of heavy equipment operating experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
- Experience operating equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.
- Experience with equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, rigging, construction, or railroad-related work is an advantage.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
- Pre-employment drug screening
- Background check
Interview Preparation:
- Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.