CDL-A Railroad Field Operator – Track & Rerail

CDL-A Railroad Field Operator – Track & Rerail

Location: Taneytown, MD
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed; average 60+ hours per week, with potential for 70 hours
Overtime: Time and a half for eligible hours outside Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m.
Additional Compensation: Per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable
Benefits: Full-time benefits
Availability: On-call 24/7, including weekends and holidays
Travel: Regional and out-of-area emergency assignments

Job Overview

Join a field operations team responding to railroad emergencies and supporting track maintenance, rerailing, equipment transport, and railcar repair. This hands-on position combines Class A CDL driving, heavy equipment operation, and physical labor. Driving accounts for approximately 10% of the job; the remaining time involves equipment operation, material handling, maintenance, and field work.

Responsibilities

Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations.

Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites; inspect loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight loads.

Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings before beginning field assignments.

Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for rerailing, load transfers, track repairs, and railroad construction.

Operate heavy equipment, including cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, skid-steers, and other equipment as qualified.

Assist with crane assembly, equipment inspections, rigging, and securing loads using chains, cables, and winches.

Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as required.

Support railroad car maintenance and repair, track construction, grading, load adjustment, and equipment setup.

Monitor equipment condition, perform and document minor servicing, and report major mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.

Disassemble and load equipment after assignments, clean job sites, restock supplies, and organize tools and materials at the home base.

Complete required safety training and preventive maintenance tasks during downtime.

Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas while following all safety procedures.

Assist other work groups as needed to support field operations.

Requirements

Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) and a good driving record.

Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding field role.

Ability to operate heavy equipment safely or demonstrate the ability to learn and qualify on assigned equipment.

Availability for emergency callouts 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Ability to travel regionally and out of state for emergency assignments.

Ability to complete required qualification tests, safety programs, and training.

Willingness to perform hands-on labor, equipment maintenance, material handling, and field assignments.

Preferred Experience

3+ years operating heavy equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Experience with railroad rerailing, track maintenance, load transfers, welding, torch cutting, rigging, or mechanical repairs.

Pre-Employment Requirements