CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: Candor, NC
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour — higher pay available depending on experience
Benefits: Full-time benefits
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Availability: 24/7 emergency on-call

Job Overview

We are hiring a Class A CDL Equipment Operator for railroad emergency response and rerailing operations. This is a hands-on field role that combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, rigging, and physical labor.

Driving is only part of the position. During non-emergency periods, employees may assist with shop work, preventive equipment maintenance, and safety training.

Responsibilities

• Conduct DOT-required inspections before and after operating trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Transport machinery, materials, and supplies safely to work locations.
• Check cargo and confirm permits for oversized or overweight loads.
• Take part in daily planning, safety meetings, and job briefings.
• Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials for railroad and rerailing work.
• Assist with:
  • Train rerailing
  • Load adjustment and transfer
  • Track maintenance and repairs
  • Railroad construction
  • Grading
  • Assist with crane assembly, setup, inspection, and operation.
  • Perform rigging activities using chains, cables, and winches.
  • Operate or assist with the following equipment:
    • Cranes
    • Backhoes
    • Bulldozers
    • Excavators
    • Front-end loaders
    • Grapple trucks
    • Dump trucks
    • Rail-bound equipment
    • Tractors
    • Skid-steer loaders
    • Work with hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
    • Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe and dependable operation.
    • Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing.
    • Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, transportation, and job-site cleanup.
    • Keep vehicles and equipment stocked with necessary parts, components, and supplies.
    • Maintain orderly work areas, vehicles, tools, and equipment.
    • Follow all applicable safety requirements.
    • Provide support to other teams or departments as needed.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or other physically demanding labor.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
• Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
• Able to perform physical field work and work extended hours when required.

Preferred Experience

3+ years of heavy equipment operation, including experience with:

• Backhoes
• Bulldozers
• Excavators
• Front-end loaders
• Grapple trucks
• Rail-bound equipment
• Tractors
• Skid-steer loaders

Equivalent combinations of relevant training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.
• Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at the applicable 1.5x overtime rate.
• Per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay may be available when applicable.
• 24/7 on-call availability is required for emergency response.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check
• Required qualification and safety testing

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