CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad
qualdoc · West Chicago, IL · onsite
CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad
Location: West Chicago, IL
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour — higher pay may be available depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Travel: Local and out-of-area emergency assignments
Benefits: Full-time position with benefits
Position Overview
Looking for a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad recovery, construction, transportation, and field operations. This is a hands-on position involving driving, heavy equipment operation, rigging, material handling, and railroad work.
24/7 emergency availability is required, including weekends and holidays.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
- Transport trucks, machinery, materials, and equipment to and from work sites.
- Verify loads and required permits for oversized or overweight transportation.
- Review work plans and participate in job-site safety meetings.
- Load, unload, position, and stage equipment and materials.
- Train rerailing
- Load transfers
- Track maintenance and repairs
- Construction activities
- Help set up, inspect, and operate cranes and other heavy equipment.
- Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
- Assist with equipment breakdown, transportation, and cleanup after assignments.
- Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe and reliable operation.
- Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing.
- Keep vehicles, tools, equipment, and work areas clean and organized.
- Maintain required parts, supplies, and components.
- Follow safety procedures and required work practices.
- Assist other teams and departments when needed.
Equipment & Tools:
- Hydraulic tools
- Welding equipment
- Cutting torches
- Electrical tools
- Hand tools
Qualifications:
- Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
- Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or physically demanding field work.
- Ability to safely operate heavy equipment.
- Ability to complete required training, qualification testing, and safety programs.
- Comfortable working in emergency-response situations and extended-hour assignments.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work in field conditions.
- Must be available for 24/7 emergency calls, weekends, and holidays.
Preferred Experience:
- 3+ years of heavy equipment operation preferred, including experience with backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
- Equivalent relevant training and hands-on experience may be considered.
Hours & Additional Compensation:
- 40 hours guaranteed per week.
- Typical schedules average 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
- Work outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM is paid at the applicable 1.5x overtime rate.
- Per diem, hotel expenses for required travel, and layover pay may be available when applicable.
- Local and out-of-area emergency assignments may be required.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
- Drug screening
- Background check
- Required qualification and safety testing
- Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.