CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

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

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).

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• Drug screen
• Background check

Interview Requirement: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.

• 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

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.