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
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Availability: 24/7 emergency on-call
Benefits: Full-time benefits
Position Overview
Seeking a Class A CDL professional to support railroad recovery and field operations. This is primarily a hands-on equipment and field position—driving accounts for approximately 10% of the job.
The role involves heavy equipment operation, material handling, rigging, railroad recovery, and physical work at job sites. Candidates must be comfortable with a 24/7 emergency on-call schedule, including weekends and holidays.
What You'll Do
Perform DOT-compliant pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
Transport machinery, equipment, and materials to and from work sites.
Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight and oversized transportation.
Participate in daily safety briefings and review work plans.
Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials.
Support train rerailing, load transfers, railroad car maintenance/repair, and track maintenance, repair, and construction.
Assist with the assembly, setup, inspection, and operation of cranes and other equipment.
Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and excavators.
Perform specialty lifting, rerailing, load transfer, grading, and railroad construction work.
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 service.
Report major mechanical concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
Assist with crane and equipment disassembly and loading after assignments.
Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies.
Clean and organize equipment, vehicles, tools, and work areas.
Assist other departments as needed.
Follow all required safety procedures and regulations.
Equipment Experience
3+ years of heavy equipment operation preferred, including experience with:
Requirements
Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a good driving record.
Construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience.
Ability to safely operate heavy equipment.
Ability to complete required qualification testing, training, and safety programs.
Comfortable working in emergency-response situations and extended-hour assignments.
Ability to perform physically demanding field work.
Must be available 24/7 for emergency calls, including weekends and holidays.
Schedule & Compensation
40 hours guaranteed per week.
Significant overtime; typical combined regular and overtime hours average 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
Hours outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half.
Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.
During downtime between emergency assignments, employees may assist with safety training, preventive maintenance, and equipment-related shop work.
Pre-Employment Requirements
