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CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator

MinneapolisOn-site

AI Summary

Operates Class A CDL trucks and heavy equipment to support railroad emergency response, rerailing, recovery, and maintenance operations, including driving, rigging, crane and equipment servicing.

About this role

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.

    Skills

    BackhoeBulldozerClass A CDLCrane OperationCutting TorchesDOT InspectionsDump TruckExcavatorFront-end LoaderGrapple TruckHeavy Equipment OperationHydraulic ToolsNew Track ConstructionRailcar MaintenanceRailroad RerailingRiggingSkid-steer LoaderTrack MaintenanceWelding Equipment

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