Railroad Rerail Equipment Operator – CDL-A

Railroad Rerail Equipment Operator – CDL-A

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

Position Overview

We are hiring a CDL-A Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and rerailing operations. This is a hands-on position that combines heavy equipment operation, CDL driving, equipment maintenance, and physical job-site work.

Driving is approximately 10% of the role. Candidates must be comfortable with 24/7 emergency on-call work, including weekends and holidays.

What You'll Do

• Respond to train derailments and assist with rerailing, load transfer, and railroad track repair or construction.
• Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.
• Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites and inspect loads, permits, trucks, trailers, and machinery.
• Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections in accordance with DOT requirements.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, disassembly, and loading.
• Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches during derailment operations.
• Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials at job sites.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Perform minor equipment and vehicle service, including basic maintenance, and report more complex repairs.
• Participate in job-site safety meetings and daily work planning.
• Monitor equipment to help maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.
• Clean and organize vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
• Restock equipment and vehicles with required parts, supplies, and components after assignments.
• Sort and properly store scrap materials.
• Assist other departments or crews as needed.

Schedule & Compensation

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

Requirements

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction, industrial work, or another physically demanding labor environment.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
• Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• Comfortable responding to emergency calls at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to perform physical job-site work and work safely around heavy equipment.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
• Equivalent combinations of training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check

Interview: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots.