CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Job description

### CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator **Location:** Candor, NC **Job Type:** Direct Hire **Pay:** Starting at **$26.00/hour**, with higher pay available depending on experience ### Position Overview We are hiring a **CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator** to support railroad emergency response, rerailing operations, and related construction activities. This is primarily a **hands-on equipment operation and labor position**, not an over-the-road driving job. Driving makes up approximately **10% of the role**. Team members must be comfortable operating a variety of construction equipment and performing physical work in an active job-site environment. Because railroad emergencies can occur at any time, this position requires **24/7 on-call availability**, including weekends and holidays. When emergency assignments are not active, employees may work from the shop completing **safety training, equipment inspections, and preventive maintenance (PM).** ### Schedule & Compensation - Full-time position with benefits - **40 hours guaranteed per week** - Average workweek of **60+ hours**, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours - **24/7 on-call** emergency response - Starting pay: **$26.00/hour**, with higher pay available depending on experience - Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at **1.5x overtime** - Per diem for qualifying travel - Hotel expenses for travel - Layover pay when applicable ### Responsibilities - Respond to railroad derailment and emergency recovery assignments. - Safely transport equipment and materials to and from work sites. - Complete required **pre-trip and post-trip inspections** of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT requirements. - Inspect loads and transported machinery and verify applicable transportation permits for overweight or oversized equipment. - Participate in job-site planning and daily safety briefings. - Load, unload, stage, secure, and move equipment and materials for assigned projects. - Assist with **rerailing operations, load adjustment/transfer, railroad car maintenance and repair, track maintenance, track repair, grading, and new construction**. - Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including: - **Cranes** - **Backhoes** - **Bulldozers** - **Excavators** - **Front-end loaders** - **Grapple trucks** - **Dump trucks** - **Rail-bound equipment** - **Tractors** - **Skid-steer loaders** - Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, operation, disassembly, and loading. - Perform rigging and connect **chains, cables, and winches** during derailment recovery. - Use **hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools**. - Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe and reliable operation. - Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle maintenance. - Report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate Shop Manager or Foreman. - Reload equipment and materials following completion of assignments and assist with job-site cleanup. - Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, components, and supplies. - Sort and place scrap materials in designated areas. - Follow all safety policies and procedures. - Maintain organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas. - Support other departments or work assignments as operational needs require. ### Requirements - **Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A)** with a good driving record. - Previous construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience. - Ability to operate heavy construction equipment safely and effectively. - Willingness to perform hands-on physical labor. - Ability to work in a **24/7 on-call environment**, including weekends and holidays. - Ability to successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs. ### Preferred Experience **3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience**, including one or more of the following: - Backhoe - Bulldozer - Excavator - Front-end loader - Grapple truck - Rail-bound equipment - Tractor - Skid-steer loader Equivalent combinations of training and experience may also be considered. ### Pre-Employment Requirements - Drug screen - Background check **Interview Requirement:** Candidates must bring **steel-toed boots** to the interview. ### Benefits - Full-time employment - Benefits package - Guaranteed 40 hours per week - Overtime opportunities - Per diem for qualifying assignments - Hotel accommodations/pay for qualifying travel - Layover pay when applicable