CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator
Location: Candor, NC
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour — higher pay available depending on experience
Benefits: Full-time benefits
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Availability: 24/7 emergency on-call
Job Overview
We are hiring a Class A CDL Equipment Operator for railroad emergency response and rerailing operations. This is a hands-on field role that combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, rigging, and physical labor.
Driving is only part of the position. During non-emergency periods, employees may assist with shop work, preventive equipment maintenance, and safety training.
Responsibilities
- Conduct DOT-required inspections before and after operating trucks, trailers, and equipment.
- Transport machinery, materials, and supplies safely to work locations.
- Check cargo and confirm permits for oversized or overweight loads.
- Take part in daily planning, safety meetings, and job briefings.
- Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials for railroad and rerailing work.
- Assist with:
- Train rerailing
- Load adjustment and transfer
- Track maintenance and repairs
- Railroad construction
- Grading
- Assist with crane assembly, setup, inspection, and operation.
- Perform rigging activities using chains, cables, and winches.
- Operate or assist with the following equipment:
- Cranes
- Backhoes
- Bulldozers
- Excavators
- Front-end loaders
- Grapple trucks
- Dump trucks
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractors
- Skid-steer loaders
- Work with hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
- Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe and dependable operation.
- Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing.
- Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, transportation, and job-site cleanup.
- Keep vehicles and equipment stocked with necessary parts, components, and supplies.
- Maintain orderly work areas, vehicles, tools, and equipment.
- Follow all applicable safety requirements.
- Provide support to other teams or departments as needed.
Qualifications
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a good driving record.
- Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or other physically demanding labor.
- Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
- Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
- Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
- Able to perform physical field work and work extended hours when required.
Preferred Experience
Schedule & Compensation
- 40 hours guaranteed per week.
- Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
- Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at the applicable 1.5x overtime rate.
- Per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay may be available when applicable.
- 24/7 on-call availability is required for emergency response.
Pre-Employment Requirements
