CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator / Laborer

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator / Laborer

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Location: Multiple Locations
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay depending on experience

Position Summary

We are seeking dependable Class A CDL drivers with heavy equipment operating experience for a field-based role involving emergency railroad recovery, equipment transportation, construction support, and maintenance activities.

This position combines commercial driving, equipment operation, and hands-on physical labor. Driving accounts for approximately 10% of the job, with most time spent operating machinery, handling materials, and supporting field crews.

Schedule and Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week, with significant overtime.

• Average of 60 hours per week, with some weeks reaching 70 hours.

• Must be available for emergency callouts 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM, are paid at 1.5 times the regular rate.

• Additional compensation includes per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.

• Full-time benefits are available.

Key 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 safely to and from job sites using tractor-trailers.

• Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized and overweight equipment.

• Participate in daily safety briefings and coordinate work activities with field crews.

• Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials before, during, and after field assignments.

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

• Assist with equipment assembly, rigging, and the use of chains, cables, and winches during emergency recovery operations.

• Support railroad construction, equipment recovery, load transfers, grading, railcar maintenance, and related field activities.

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

• Perform basic equipment servicing and preventive maintenance, document completed work, and report more complex mechanical issues.

• Prepare equipment for transport, restock vehicles with necessary supplies, and organize tools and materials.

• Maintain clean, organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.

• Follow all safety procedures and assist other departments as needed to meet operational requirements.

Required Qualifications

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

• Experience in construction, industrial labor, equipment handling, or a similar physically demanding role.

• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely or demonstrate the aptitude to qualify through required training.

• Willingness to perform hands-on labor in varying field conditions.

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

• Ability to complete required safety training and qualification assessments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of heavy equipment operating experience.

• Experience with cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, tractor equipment, skid steers, or similar machinery.

• Experience with rigging, hydraulic tools, welding, torch cutting, or basic mechanical maintenance.

• A combination of relevant training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening.

• Background check.

Interview Reminder: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.