CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Qualdoc; Candor (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time benefits

Job summary

Qualdoc in Candor, NC is seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator for railroad emergency response and rerailing operations. This field role combines driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, rigging, and physical labor.

During non-emergency periods, you may assist with shop work, preventive maintenance, and safety training. Excellent safety and reliability are essential for this fast-paced role.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction/heavy equipment operation or related labor.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
• Must 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 extended hours when required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct DOT inspections before/after operating trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Transport machinery, materials, and supplies to work locations.
• Check cargo and permits for oversized/overweight loads.
• Participate in daily planning, safety meetings, and job briefings.
• Load/unload/move equipment and materials for railroad and rerailing work.
• Assist with crane assembly, setup, inspection, and operation.
• Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
• Operate or assist with cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and more.
• Work with hydraulic tools, welding, and cutting equipment.
• Maintain safe, orderly work areas and provide cross-team support.

Skills

CDL A

Heavy equipment experience

Safety compliance

24/7 emergency readiness

Physical endurance

Job description

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

3+ years of heavy equipment operation, including experience with:

• Backhoes
• Bulldozers
• Excavators
• Front-end loaders
• Grapple trucks
• Rail-bound equipmentTractors
• Skid-steer loaders

Equivalent combinations of relevant training and hands-on experience may be considered.

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

• Drug screening
• Background check
• Required qualification and safety testing

Interview: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.