What are the responsibilities and job description for the CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery position at Qualdoc?
CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery
Location: Allentown, PA | Regional Travel Required
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, higher depending on experience
Benefits: Full benefits package, overtime, per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable
Job Overview
We are hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad recovery, derailment response, and track-related operations. This hands-on field position involves transporting equipment, operating construction machinery, and assisting with rerailing, load transfers, railroad car repairs, and track maintenance or construction.
Driving makes up approximately 10% of the job. Operators must be comfortable performing physical labor, operating heavy equipment, traveling regionally, and responding to emergencies on call 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
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40 hours guaranteed per week.
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Significant overtime; typical workweeks average 60 hours and may reach 70 hours.
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Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., are paid at time-and-a-half.
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Per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.
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Must be available for emergency callouts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round.
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Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment according to company policies and DOT regulations.
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Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites, inspect loads, and verify permits for oversized or overweight loads.
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Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.
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Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials for rerailing, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and new construction.
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Assist with crane assembly, inspections, operation, and disassembly as needed.
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Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, skid steers, and rail-bound equipment when qualified.
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Assist with rerailing operations and use chains, cables, rigging, and winches safely.
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Support railroad car maintenance and repair, load transfers, grading, track work, and railroad construction activities.
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Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed.
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Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe operation and readiness, perform and document minor maintenance, and report complex repairs to the shop manager or foreman.
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Prepare equipment and vehicles for future assignments by restocking parts and supplies and organizing materials.
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Clean job sites and maintain vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
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Follow all safety procedures and assist other departments as needed to meet operational requirements.
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Complete safety training and preventive maintenance during downtime between emergency assignments.
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Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
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Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding role.
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Ability to operate heavy equipment and perform hands-on field work.
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Willingness to travel regionally and work an on-call schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
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Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs.
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Commitment to safe, efficient, and professional work practices.
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Three or more years of heavy equipment operating experience, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
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Experience in railroad rerailing, derailment recovery, track maintenance, or related construction work is an advantage.
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Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.
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Pre-employment drug screening.
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Background check.
Interview Requirement: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.