CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Qualdoc; Candor (NC); On-site; USD 54,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Per diem for travel

Hotel accommodations

Layover pay when applicable

Guaranteed 40 hours

Job summary

Qualdoc in Candor, NC is seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response, rerailing operations and related construction. This is a hands-on equipment operator and labor role, with only about 10% driving and 24/7 on-call availability.

The position offers full-time, with 40 hours guaranteed and potential for 60–70 hour weeks, overtime at 1.5x, per diem and hotel allowances for travel, plus on-site safety training and maintenance tasks.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction labor or similar physically demanding work.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
• Willingness to perform hands-on labor and on-call shifts.

Responsibilities

• Respond to railroad derailment and emergency recovery assignments.
• Safely transport equipment and materials to and from work sites.
• Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT requirements.
• Inspect loads and transported machinery and verify applicable transportation permits for overweight or oversized equipment.
• Participate in job-site planning and daily safety briefings.
• Load, unload, stage, secure, and move equipment and materials for assigned projects.
• Assist with rerailing operations, load adjustment/transfer, railroad car maintenance and repair, track maintenance, track repair, grading, and new construction.

Skills

CDL-A license

Heavy equipment operation

On-call readiness

Safety adherence

Job description

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: Candor, NC
Job Type: Direct Hire
Pay: Starting at $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience

Position Overview

We are hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response, rerailing operations, and related construction activities.

This is primarily a hands-on equipment operation and labor position, not an over-the-road driving job. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the role. Team members must be comfortable operating a variety of construction equipment and performing physical work in an active job-site environment.

Because railroad emergencies can occur at any time, this position requires 24/7 on-call availability, including weekends and holidays.

When emergency assignments are not active, employees may work from the shop completing safety training, equipment inspections, and preventive maintenance (PM).

Schedule & Compensation

• Full-time position with benefits


• 40 hours guaranteed per week


• Average workweek of 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours


• 24/7 on-call emergency response


• Starting pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience


• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime


• Per diem for qualifying travel


• Hotel expenses for travel


• Layover pay when applicable

Responsibilities

• Respond to railroad derailment and emergency recovery assignments.


• Safely transport equipment and materials to and from work sites.


• Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT requirements.


• Inspect loads and transported machinery and verify applicable transportation permits for overweight or oversized equipment.


• Participate in job-site planning and daily safety briefings.


• Load, unload, stage, secure, and move equipment and materials for assigned projects.


• Assist with rerailing operations, load adjustment/transfer, railroad car maintenance and repair, track maintenance, track repair, grading, and new construction.


• Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including:
  
  
  
  • Cranes
  
  
  • Backhoes
  
  
  • Bulldozers
  
  
  • Excavators
  
  
  • Front-end loaders
  
  
  • Grapple trucks
  
  
  • Dump trucks
  
  
  • Rail-bound equipment
  
  
  • Tractors
  
  
  • Skid-steer loaders
  
  
  
  


• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, operation, disassembly, and loading.


• Perform rigging and connect chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery.


• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.


• Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe and reliable operation.


• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle maintenance.


• Report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate Shop Manager or Foreman.


• Reload equipment and materials following completion of assignments and assist with job-site cleanup.


• Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, components, and supplies.


• Sort and place scrap materials in designated areas.


• Follow all safety policies and procedures.


• Maintain organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.


• Support other departments or work assignments as operational needs require.

Requirements

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.


• Previous construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience.


• Ability to operate heavy construction equipment safely and effectively.


• Willingness to perform hands-on physical labor.


• Ability to work in a 24/7 on-call environment, including weekends and holidays.


• Ability to successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.

Preferred Experience

3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including one or more of the following:

• Backhoe


• Bulldozer


• Excavator


• Front-end loader


• Grapple truck


• Rail-bound equipment


• Tractor


• Skid-steer loader

Equivalent combinations of training and experience may also be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screen


• Background check

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

Benefits

• Full-time employment


• Benefits package

Guaranteed 40 hours per week

Overtime opportunities

Per diem for qualifying assignments

Hotel accommodations/pay for qualifying travel

Layover pay when applicable