Equipment Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Various Locations / Travel Required but based in Chicago, Illinois area.
Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are looking for a  skilled and versatile Equipment Operator to join our team. This position is ideal for an experienced operator who is comfortable working with a wide range of heavy equipment and enjoys a hands-on, fast-paced environment.

Our operations involve  rail terminals, transloading facilities, freight handling, and remote customer locations . The successful candidate will play an important role in safely and efficiently moving freight and materials while maintaining a high standard of safety and professionalism.

Equipment Experience

Experience operating several of the following types of equipment is required:

• Excavators
• Skid steers
• Grapple trucks
• Cranes
• Forklifts
• Clamp trucks
• Telehandlers
• Other heavy equipment and material-handling equipment

The ability to quickly learn and confidently operate different types of equipment is highly valued.

Previous experience working in the railroad industry is considered a significant asset.

Experience in any of the following areas is an advantage:

• Working in or around rail terminals and rail yards
• Loading and unloading railcars
• Railcar and freight handling
• Transloading operations
• Working around locomotives and rail equipment
• Understanding railroad safety procedures and operating practices
• Experience with different types of railcars and freight
• Working around rail crews, contractors, and railroad personnel
• Knowledge of  Association of American Railroads (AAR)practices and requirements
• Experience with freight securement, inspections, or rail-related equipment

Candidates with a strong background in railroad operations and equipment handling are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate heavy equipment and material-handling machinery.
• Load, unload, move, and position various types of freight and materials.
• Work safely around railcars, locomotives, trucks, containers, and other heavy equipment.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and identify mechanical or operational issues.
• Assist with basic equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs.
• Follow company, customer, railroad, and site-specific safety procedures.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Travel to customer and remote locations as required.
• Adapt to changing operational requirements and solve problems as they arise.
• Maintain a clean, professional, and safety-focused work environment.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will be:

• Experienced across multiple types of heavy equipment.
• Mechanically inclined with a good understanding of equipment operation and basic mechanical systems.
• A strong  problem solver who can think on their feet and find practical solutions.
• Safety-conscious and comfortable working around railroads and heavy equipment.
• Able to recognize potential hazards and take appropriate action.
• Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision.
• Dependable, adaptable, and willing to take on different types of work.
• Willing and able to  travel regularly , including to remote locations.
• Comfortable working outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
• A strong communicator with a professional attitude.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience operating heavy equipment.
• Valid driver’s licence with a clean driving record.
• Clean criminal record is required.
• Ability to pass required customer, site, railroad, or security screening.
• Willingness to travel and work at remote locations.
• Ability to work flexible hours when operational requirements demand it.
• Railroad experience is considered a  strong asset .