Emergency Rail Response Equipment Operator (CDL-A)

Emergency Rail Response Equipment Operator (CDL-A)

Location: Taneytown, MD
Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Starting Pay: From $26.00/hour (higher rates available based on experience)
Position Overview

We are seeking dependable CDL-A professionals to join a specialized field operations team supporting railroad recovery, infrastructure maintenance, and heavy equipment projects throughout the region. This role combines commercial driving, equipment operation, and hands-on field work in a fast-paced environment where emergency response readiness is essential.

Team members transport equipment to project sites, assist with railroad recovery efforts, operate machinery when qualified, and support track maintenance and construction activities. Safety, professionalism, and teamwork are critical to success in this position.

Schedule & Work Environment

• Full-time direct hire position
• Guaranteed 40 hours per week
• Frequent overtime opportunities averaging 60+ hours weekly
• Must be available for emergency dispatches on a 24/7 on-call basis
• Travel required as needed for project assignments

Compensation & Travel Benefits

• Starting pay of $26.00/hour or more, depending on qualifications and experience
• Overtime paid at 1.5x regular rate for hours worked outside Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM
• Per diem provided during travel assignments
• Company-paid lodging when overnight travel is required
• Layover compensation when applicable

Key Responsibilities

Transportation & Equipment Handling

• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections in accordance with DOT regulations and company standards
• Safely transport heavy equipment, machinery, and materials to and from work locations
• Verify load securement and required permits for oversized or overweight equipment
• Assist with loading, unloading, staging, and mobilizing equipment and materials

Field Operations

• Participate in daily safety meetings and work planning discussions
• Support railroad recovery operations, load transfers, and track maintenance projects
• Assist with crane setup, inspections, and operational support
• Connect and manage chains, cables, rigging, and winching systems during lifting and recovery activities
• Operate heavy equipment and specialty machinery when qualified
• Perform site cleanup and demobilization activities upon project completion

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Operate machinery such as:
  • Excavators
  • Backhoes
  • Grapple trucks
  • Dump trucks
  • Cranes
  • Skid steers
  • Front-end loaders
  • Additional construction and rail-support equipment
• Utilize hydraulic, electrical, welding, cutting, and hand tools safely and effectively
• Monitor equipment performance and report operational concerns
• Complete minor maintenance and service tasks as assigned
• Assist with equipment assembly, disassembly, and transport preparation

General Duties

• Restock vehicles, tools, and equipment following project completion
• Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas
• Support other operational departments when business needs require
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A)
• Acceptable driving record
• Experience performing physical labor in construction, industrial, transportation, or related environments
• Ability to pass required training, qualification, and safety programs
• Willingness to respond to emergency callouts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of heavy equipment operating experience
• Experience with equipment such as excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid steers
• Experience working in railroad, construction, industrial, or infrastructure maintenance environments

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Pre-Employment drug screen
• Background check

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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.