Railroad Equipment Operator – CDL-A
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Apply to this jobRailroad Equipment Operator – CDL-A
Location: Taneytown, MD
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Salary: $57,200.00, with higher pay possible based on experience
We are hiring a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and field operations. This role involves transporting and operating heavy equipment, assisting with train re-railing, track work, load transfers, equipment maintenance, and related construction activities.
Schedule & Compensation
- 40 hours guaranteed per week
- Regular overtime; average workweek is 60+ hours including overtime
- 24/7 on-call emergency response, including weekends and holidays
- Time-and-a-half for hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay when applicable
- Full benefits package
Key Responsibilities
- Perform DOT-compliant pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
- Operate tractor-trailers and safely transport machinery, materials, and equipment to and from work sites.
- Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight and oversized transportation.
- Participate in daily safety meetings and review work plans before starting assignments.
- Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for re-railing, load transfer, track work, grading, and railroad construction.
- Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, and operation.
- Rig and connect chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery operations.
- Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, bulldozers, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders when qualified.
- Assist with railroad track maintenance, repair, new construction, specialty lifting, and related field work.
- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
- Monitor vehicles and equipment to maintain safe and reliable operation.
- Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service; report major mechanical issues to the appropriate supervisor.
- Assist with equipment breakdown, loading, transportation, and site cleanup.
- Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, supplies, and components.
- Sort and properly dispose of scrap materials.
- Maintain clean, organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.
- Follow all safety policies and procedures and assist other departments as needed.
Requirements
- Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record
- Experience in construction, heavy labor, or a similar physically demanding field
- Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs
- Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays
- Ability to work safely around heavy machinery and other field personnel
Preferred Experience
- 3+ years operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders
- Equivalent combination of training and hands-on experience may be considered
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screening
- Background check
Summary
Operate heavy equipment for railroad support, safety inspections, and emergency response.
Job title
Railroad Equipment Operator – CDL-A
Experience level
3+ years
Minimum experience
3+ years exp
Industry
construction
Location requirements
Taneytown, MD, on-site; remote not allowed
Salary
$57k+
Management role
No
Required skills
Preferred skills
Specializations
Structured locations inferred from the posting.
Taneytown, MD 21787, USA