CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Qualdoc; Taneytown (MD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem

Hotel reimbursement for travel

Layover pay

Job summary

Qualdoc is seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator in Taneytown, MD. The role involves transporting equipment, operating heavy machinery, and supporting railroad recovery, track maintenance, and related fieldwork.

You must be comfortable with physical labor, travel as needed, and responding to emergencies on a 24/7 on-call basis. Responsibilities include inspections, load handling, crane setup, rigging, and operating various heavy equipment when qualified.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a clean driving record.
• Experience in construction labor or heavy equipment operations.
• Ability to perform hands-on fieldwork around heavy machinery.
• Willingness to work a 24/7 on-call schedule, including nights and holidays.
• Completion of required safety trainings and certifications as applicable.
• Commitment to safety and teamwork on job sites.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections per DOT regulations.
• Drive tractor-trailers to job sites and verify permits for oversized loads.
• Participate in daily planning and safety briefings.
• Load, unload, and stage materials for rerailing and track maintenance.
• Assist with crane setup, inspections, and safe operation.
• Assist with rigging during derailment recovery and loading operations.
• Operate heavy equipment as qualified (cranes, backhoes, excavators, loaders).
• Utilize hydraulic tools, welding, and hand tools for tasks.
• Support track maintenance, lifting, and new track construction.
• Monitor equipment readiness and minimize downtime; perform basic maintenance.

Skills

CDL-A

Fieldwork

Heavy equipment operation

On-call readiness

Tools

Cranes

Backhoes

Excavators

Grapple trucks

Rail-bound equipment

Skid-steer loaders

Job description

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: Taneytown, MD
Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed per week, with significant overtime
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience.

Position Overview

Seeking a Class A CDL Driver/Operator to support railroad recovery, track maintenance, and heavy equipment operations. This hands-on role involves transporting equipment to job sites, operating construction machinery when qualified, and assisting with railroad rerailing, track repair, load transfers, and related fieldwork.

Driving accounts for approximately 10% of the role. Candidates must be comfortable operating heavy equipment, performing physical labor, traveling as needed, and responding to emergency calls on a 24/7 on-call basis.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company procedures and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

• Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites, inspect loads and transported machinery, and verify permits for oversized or overweight equipment.

• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings before beginning assignments.

• Load, unload, move, and stage materials and equipment for rerailing, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and new track construction.

• Assist with crane assembly, inspections, equipment setup, and safe operation.

• Connect chains, cables, and winches and assist with rigging during railroad derailment recovery.

• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, excavators, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and other machinery as qualified.

• Use hydraulic equipment, welding and torch-cutting tools, electrical tools, and common hand tools to complete assigned work.

• Perform track maintenance, grading, specialty lifting, railroad car recovery, load transfers, and related construction activities.

• Monitor equipment and vehicles for operational readiness and minimize downtime.

• Perform and document basic equipment maintenance and refer more complex repairs to the appropriate supervisor.

• Assist with dismantling, loading, and securing equipment after job completion.

• Restock vehicles and equipment, organize supplies, and sort scrap materials at the home base.

• Maintain clean vehicles, equipment, and work areas while following safety procedures and supporting other departments as needed.

Required Qualifications

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

• Experience in construction labor, equipment operation, or another physically demanding role.

• Ability to perform hands-on fieldwork and safely work around heavy machinery.

• Willingness to work a 24/7 on-call schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, when emergency response is required.

• Ability to complete required qualification tests, safety training, and other job-related programs.

• Commitment to workplace safety, teamwork, and efficient job completion.

Preferred Experience

• At least 3 years of heavy equipment operation experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Experience operating backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.

• Railroad derailment recovery, rerailing, track maintenance, or railroad construction experience is a plus.

Schedule and Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.

• Typical workweeks average 60 or more hours, with occasional weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.

• Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the regular rate for qualifying hours outside the standard Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. schedule, subject to applicable overtime rules.

• Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel reimbursement for work‑related travel, and layover pay when applicable.

• Emergency assignments may require extended hours and rapid deployment.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Pre-employment drug screening.

• Background check.

• Required qualification and safety assessments.

Interview Reminder: Candidates must bring steel‑toed boots to the interview.