Railroad Heavy Equipment Operator – CDL-A
Location: West Chicago, IL
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Travel: Local and out-of-area emergency assignments
Benefits: Full-time position with benefits
Position Overview
Seeking a Class A CDL Heavy Equipment Operator for railroad recovery, construction, transportation, and field work. This hands-on role combines CDL driving, heavy equipment operation, rigging, material handling, and railroad maintenance.
24/7 emergency availability is required, including weekends and holidays.
Responsibilities
Complete DOT-required pre- and post-trip inspections.
Drive and transport trucks, machinery, materials, and equipment to job sites.
Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight transportation.
Participate in work planning and daily safety meetings.
Load, unload, stage, and position equipment and materials.
Support train rerailing, load transfers, track maintenance/repair, and railroad construction.
Assist with the setup, inspection, and operation of cranes and other equipment.
Perform rigging with chains, cables, and winches.
Assist with equipment breakdown, loading, transportation, and site cleanup.
Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe operation and readiness.
Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle maintenance.
Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and hand tools.
Keep vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas clean and organized.
Restock parts, supplies, and components as needed.
Follow safety procedures and assist other teams when required.
Equipment Experience
Experience with any of the following is preferred:
Cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.
Qualifications
Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or physically demanding field work.
Ability to safely operate heavy equipment.
Ability to complete required training, qualification testing, and safety programs.
Comfortable working extended hours and responding to emergency situations.
Able to perform physically demanding work in field conditions.
Available for 24/7 emergency calls, weekends, and holidays.
Preferred: 3+ years of heavy equipment operation, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders. Equivalent training and hands-on experience may be considered.
Hours & Additional Pay
40 hours guaranteed each week.
Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some reaching approximately 70 hours.
Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime.
Per diem, hotel expenses for required travel, and layover pay may be available when applicable.
Local and out-of-area emergency assignments may be required.
Pre-Employment Requirements
