CDL-A Driver / Railroad Equipment Operator

Socket.dev; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem for travel

Hotel pay for travel

Layover pay

Full benefits

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Class A CDL driver to support railroad emergency response and track operations in Fort Worth, TX. This full‑time role involves transporting equipment, operating heavy machinery when qualified, and assisting with derailment recovery and track work.

You will perform pre‑ and post‑trip inspections, work 60+ hours weekly with overtime, be on call 24/7 for emergencies, and receive benefits, per diem, and travel hotel pay.

Qualifications

• CDL with a good driving record
• Construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience
• Able to pass required qualification, training and safety programs
• 24/7 availability for emergencies including weekends and holidays

Responsibilities

• Perform pre‑ and post‑trip inspections according to DOT regulations and company procedures.
• Drive tractor‑trailers to and from job sites and verify loads and permits.
• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.
• Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment for rerailing and track maintenance.
• Assist with crane assembly, operation, and breakdown.
• Rig using chains, cables, and winches during derailment response.
• Operate cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators when qualified.
• Perform track maintenance/repair, rerailing, load transfer, and new track construction.

Skills

CDL A driver

Heavy equipment operation

Safety compliance

OT readiness

Tools

Cranes

Backhoes

Grapple trucks

Chains & winches

Job description

CDL-A Driver / Railroad Equipment Operator

Location: Fort Worth, TX
Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Pay: Starting at $26.00/hour — higher rates may be available based on experience

Position Overview

Seeking a Class A CDL driver to support railroad emergency response and track operations. This hands‑on position involves transporting equipment and materials, operating heavy equipment when qualified, and assisting with derailment recovery, railroad car maintenance, load transfer, and track work.

Full‑time position with benefits.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week
• Significant overtime; regular and OT hours average 60+ hours/week
• 24/7 on‑call availability, including weekends and holidays, for emergency response
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at time‑and‑a‑half
• Per diem for qualifying travel
• Hotel pay for travel
• Layover pay when applicable

What You’ll Do

• Complete pre‑and post‑trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment according to DOT regulations and company procedures.
• Drive tractor‑trailers to and from job sites; inspect loads and transported machinery and verify overweight/oversize permits.
• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.
• Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials for rerailing, load adjustment/transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and new track construction.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, and breakdown/loading.
• Assist with rigging using chains, cables, and winches during derailment response.
• Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front‑end loaders, rail‑bound equipment, tractors, and skid‑steer loaders when qualified.
• Perform work involving specialty lifting, rerailing, load transfer, grading, track maintenance/repair, and railroad construction.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe, reliable operation and perform/document minor service.
• Report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate shop or field supervisor.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, components, and supplies.
• Sort and properly store scrap materials.
• Assist other departments or work groups as needed.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe vehicles, equipment, and work areas.
• Follow all required safety policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a good driving record.
• Construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience.
• Ability to pass required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• 24/7 availability for emergency calls, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years operating heavy equipment, including:
  • Backhoe
  • Bulldozer
  • Excavator
  • Front-end loader
  • Grapple truck
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractor
  • Skid-steer loader
  • Equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screen
• Background check

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is a full‑time direct‑hire opportunity offering guaranteed hours, substantial overtime potential, benefits, and additional compensation for travel and emergency response work. The position is ideal for a safety-focused Class A CDL professional with heavy equipment and construction experience who is comfortable working in demanding field environments and responding to emergency situations.