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.