CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator

CDL-A Rerail 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 Overview We are hiring a Class A CDL Rerail Operator to assist with railroad emergency response and recovery operations. This position combines equipment operation, transportation, material handling, and hands-on field work. Driving is only a small part of the position. When not responding to emergencies, employees may assist with equipment maintenance, preventive maintenance, 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.