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.