Heavy Equipment Operator

Field Crew Heavy Equipment Operator

Omaha Track is the innovative product and service supplier to the railroad industry-dedicated to providing excellence, quality, and value. We are committed to remaining the industry leader by focusing on continuous growth and improvement in our four areas of focus: Materials/Railroad Services/Equipment/Terminal Services.

The Field Crew Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment, trucks, and other machinery to support railroad field operations. This position performs a variety of duties including loading and unloading trucks and railcars, moving and sorting railroad materials, preparing rail for pickup, sorting and grading rail, handling railroad ties, and supporting field crew operations at railroad work sites.

The Field Crew Heavy Equipment Operator is expected to work safely and efficiently while following all Omaha Track, railroad, DOT, OSHA, and customer requirements. This position requires the ability to work independently and as part of a crew while adapting to changing job-site conditions and priorities.

Major Areas of Responsibility

• Operate various types of heavy equipment to safely load and unload trucks and railcars and move materials throughout yards and job sites.
• Operate assigned trucks and equipment both on and off track as required.
• Measure, sort, identify, and grade rail according to size, classification, condition, and resale requirements.
• Identify rail flaws, defects, and other conditions that may affect the classification or resale of rail.
• Measure and cut rail into required lengths to maximize resale opportunities and maintain accurate counts of prepared rail.
• Pick up and safely load railroad tie pieces and other materials that cannot be handled by specialized equipment.
• Drive to and from assigned job sites while transporting supplies, equipment, and materials.
• Navigate to job sites using GPS and the appropriate navigation system.
• Inspect company vehicles, heavy equipment, and tools before and during use and report maintenance or repair needs in accordance with company procedures.
• Maintain water supplies for fire suppression and ensure fire prevention equipment is operational.
• Complete fire risk assessments and perform fire prevention and fire watch duties as assigned.
• Maintain appropriate supplies of oxygen, propane, and other required materials.
• Participate in job briefings and follow track protection limits, railroad procedures, and required radio communication protocols.
• Maintain accurate electronic driver logs and other required documentation.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
• Proactively identify and complete work while supporting the needs of the field crew and assigned railroad operation.
• Follow all Omaha Track, railroad, DOT, OSHA, customer, and job-site safety requirements and procedures.
• Immediately report all job-site incidents, injuries, hazards, equipment damage, or safety concerns to the crew supervisor.
• Complete and maintain all required safety training, certifications, and qualifications.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of heavy equipment operating experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license required; must not have any major driving offenses within the last three years.
• Current Class A or Class B CDL preferred/required as applicable to assigned duties, with air brake endorsement and no manual transmission restrictions.
• Current DOT medical card required when operating DOT-regulated vehicles.
• Minimum of 2 years of flatbed or equipment-hauling experience preferred.
• Previous railroad, construction, industrial, heavy equipment, or outdoor field experience preferred.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and basic mathematical skills.
• Ability to accurately use measuring devices such as tape measures and calipers.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.
• Effective listening skills and the ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to proactively identify and complete work.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain required railroad credentials and qualifications.

Work Requirements

• Dependable and consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment, trucks, and machinery in a railroad field environment.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and on uneven surfaces.
• Ability to safely work around railroad tracks, moving equipment, heavy machinery, and other job-site hazards.
• Ability to learn the railroad industry, including different types of rail, rail classifications, and identification of rail flaws and defects.
• Ability to safely mount and dismount heavy equipment without assistance.
• Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a diverse field crew.
• Ability to change easily from one task to another and effectively manage competing demands.
• Ability to understand and accurately interpret and follow laws, rules, regulations, and Omaha Track, railroad, DOT, OSHA, and customer guidelines.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOT medical card when required for DOT-regulated vehicle operation.
• Must be able to successfully complete all required drug and alcohol screenings and comply with Omaha Track's Zero Tolerance Policy, as well as all applicable DOT, OSHA, and railroad safety requirements.
• Ability to meet all functional requirements, including lifting/carrying up to 100 lbs., sitting, kneeling, climbing, standing, walking, bending, squatting, pulling, reaching above and below the shoulders, and maintaining finger dexterity.

This position requires up to 24 consecutive days of travel per month to support railroad field operations and assigned work locations.

Omaha Track, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Race/Color/Gender/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.