CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad

CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad

Location: West Chicago, IL
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour — higher pay may be 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

Looking for a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad recovery, construction, transportation, and field operations. This is a hands-on position involving driving, heavy equipment operation, rigging, material handling, and railroad work.

24/7 emergency availability is required, including weekends and holidays.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
• Transport trucks, machinery, materials, and equipment to and from work sites.
• Verify loads and required permits for oversized or overweight transportation.
• Review work plans and participate in job-site safety meetings.
• Load, unload, position, and stage equipment and materials.
• Assist with railroad recovery operations involving:
  • Train rerailing
  • Load transfers
  • Track maintenance and repairs
  • Construction activities
  • Help set up, inspect, and operate cranes and other heavy equipment.
  • Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
  • Assist with equipment breakdown, transportation, and cleanup after assignments.
  • Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe and reliable operation.
  • Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing.
  • Keep vehicles, tools, equipment, and work areas clean and organized.
  • Maintain required parts, supplies, and components.
  • Follow safety procedures and required work practices.
  • Assist other teams and departments when needed.

Equipment & Tools

Experience with any of the following is valuable:

Cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.

Additional tools include:

• Hydraulic tools
• Welding equipment
• Cutting torches
• Electrical tools
• Hand tools

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 in emergency-response situations and extended-hour assignments.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in field conditions.
• Must be available for 24/7 emergency calls, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Experience

3+ years of heavy equipment operation preferred, including experience with backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.

Equivalent relevant training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Hours & Additional Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.
• Typical schedules average 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
• Work outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM is paid at the applicable 1.5x overtime rate.
• 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

• Drug screening
• Background check
• Required qualification and safety testing
• Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.