CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator

CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator

Location: Minneapolis, MN
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

Position Summary

Seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response, rerailing, and recovery operations. This field-based position involves commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, rigging, and hands-on railroad work.

Driving is only one part of the role. During non-emergency periods, team members may assist with equipment servicing, preventive maintenance, shop activities, and safety training.

Key Duties

• Perform DOT-required inspections before and after operating trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Safely move equipment, machinery, and materials between work locations.
• Inspect transported loads and verify required permits for oversized or overweight equipment.
• Participate in daily planning meetings and safety briefings.
• Load, unload, position, and stage equipment and materials for railroad and rerailing operations.
• Assist with:
  • Train rerailing
  • Load adjustment and transfer
  • Railroad car maintenance and repair
  • Track maintenance and repairs
  • New track construction
  • Assist with crane assembly, setup, inspection, and operation.
  • Perform rigging tasks using chains, cables, and winches.
  • Operate and assist with heavy equipment, including:
    • Cranes
    • Backhoes
    • Bulldozers
    • Excavators
    • Front-end loaders
    • Grapple trucks
    • Dump trucks
    • Rail-bound equipment
    • Tractors
    • Skid-steer loaders
    • Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
    • Monitor trucks and equipment for safe and reliable operation.
    • Complete and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing.
    • Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, transportation, and post-job cleanup.
    • Maintain adequate supplies, parts, and components in vehicles and equipment.
    • Keep work areas, vehicles, tools, and equipment clean and organized.
    • Follow all applicable safety procedures and requirements.
    • Provide support to other crews and departments when needed.

Qualifications

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

Preferred Experience

3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including:

• 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.