CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Operations
Location: Taneytown, MD
Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed; average 60+ hours/week with overtime
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available based on experience
Position Overview
Seeking a Class A CDL driver/operator to support railroad field operations. This role combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, rigging, and hands-on railroad and construction work. The position may involve emergency response and travel to various job locations.
What You'll Do
- Perform DOT-required inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment before and after use.
- Transport equipment and materials between work sites while checking load conditions.
- Confirm permits and requirements for oversized or overweight loads.
- Participate in daily planning, job briefings, and safety meetings.
- Load, unload, position, and secure equipment and materials.
- Support railroad re-railing, track maintenance, repairs, transfers, and new construction.
- Assist with crane setup, inspection, assembly, and operation.
- Perform rigging activities using chains, cables, and winches.
- Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and similar machinery.
- Use hydraulic equipment, welding and cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools.
- Monitor trucks and equipment and report maintenance or operating concerns.
- Complete and document minor vehicle and equipment servicing.
- Break down, load, and transport equipment following completion of field assignments.
- Maintain adequate parts, supplies, and components in vehicles and equipment.
- Sort and dispose of scrap materials in designated areas.
- Keep vehicles, equipment, and work areas clean, safe, and organized.
- Follow company safety procedures and quality standards.
- Provide support to other work groups as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Valid Class A CDL (CDL-A).
- Good driving record.
- Previous construction, field labor, equipment operation, or other physically demanding work experience.
- Ability to complete required training, qualifications, and safety programs.
- Availability for 24/7 emergency service calls, including weekends and holidays.
Preferred Heavy Equipment Experience
3+ years of experience operating equipment such as:
- Backhoe
- Bulldozer
- Excavator
- Front-end loader
- Grapple truck
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractor
- Skid-steer loader
An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
Schedule & Benefits
- 40 hours guaranteed per week
- Average 60+ hours per week, including overtime
- Monday–Friday work outside
- 24/7 emergency-response availability
- Per diem
- Hotel accommodations/pay for travel
- Layover pay when applicable
- Full benefits package
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screening
- Background check