CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Socket.dev; Taneytown (MD); On-site; USD 49,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem

Hotel pay for travel

Layover pay

Job summary

Socket.dev in Taneytown, MD is seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and heavy equipment operations. You will travel to derailment sites, transport and operate cranes, backhoes, and other rail-related gear, and assist with re-railing and track work while performing routine equipment maintenance.

The role requires a strong work ethic, mechanical ability, and readiness to respond 24/7, including weekends and holidays, with overtime opportunities and travel

Qualifications

• Must have a valid Class A CDL.
• Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or another physically demanding field.
• Ability to safely operate and work around heavy machinery.
• Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
• Willingness to travel as job assignments require.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment according to DOT requirements.
• Safely transport equipment and materials to and from work sites.
• Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials.
• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders when qualified.
• Assist with railroad re-railing, load adjustment/transfer, track maintenance, repair, grading, and construction activities.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, and operation.
• Perform rigging tasks involving chains, cables, and winches.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor equipment and vehicles to maintain operational readiness.
• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service.
• Assist with disassembly and loading of cranes and other equipment.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, supplies, and components after assignments.
• Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas.
• Follow all required safety policies and procedures.
• Assist other departments or work groups as needed.

Skills

CDL-A

Heavy equipment operation

Emergency response

Travel readiness

Tools

Cranes

Backhoes

Grapple trucks

Dump trucks

Excavators

Front-end loaders

Rail-bound equipment

Tractors

Skid-steer loaders

Job description

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: Taneytown, MD
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Salary: $57,200.00, with higher pay possible based on experience

Position Overview

Seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and equipment operations. This position involves traveling to derailment sites, transporting and operating heavy equipment, assisting with re-railing and track work, and performing equipment maintenance.

The role requires a strong work ethic, mechanical ability, and the flexibility to respond to emergency calls 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.
• Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
• Hours outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime.
• Per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay may apply.
• During periods without emergency calls, employees assist with safety training, preventive maintenance, and shop activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment according to DOT requirements.
• Safely transport equipment and materials to and from work sites.
• Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials.
• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders when qualified.
• Assist with railroad re-railing, load adjustment/transfer, track maintenance, repair, grading, and construction activities.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, and operation.
• Perform rigging tasks involving chains, cables, and winches.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor equipment and vehicles to maintain operational readiness.
• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service.
• Assist with disassembly and loading of cranes and other equipment.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, supplies, and components after assignments.
• Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas.
• Follow all required safety policies and procedures.
• Assist other departments or work groups as needed.

Requirements

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or another physically demanding field.
• Ability to safely operate and work around heavy machinery.
• Ability to perform physical labor as required at railroad and construction sites.
• Must successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
• Willingness to travel as job assignments require.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
• Equivalent combination of training and hands-on experience will be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check