CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice — Rail Emergency

Hulcher Services; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime opportunities

Weekly pay

Company paid benefits

Paid training

Career advancement opportunities

Full-time, year-round employment

Job summary

Hulcher Services is seeking a CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice I to join its 24/7 emergency response team. This full-time role trains alongside experienced operators to learn crane, hydraulic, and recovery equipment used in railroad derailment response across the United States.

You’ll travel up to 50% and receive company-paid benefits, paid training, and weekly pay. The position emphasizes safety, hands-on learning, and a pathway to career advancement in a unique industry that supports

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with no restrictions.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.
• Willingness to work in a 24/7 emergency response environment.
• Ability to pass required background screenings and pre-employment requirements.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally and 50 pounds frequently.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Comfortable working at heights exceeding 25 feet and around water when required.

Responsibilities

• Transport specialized heavy equipment using tractor-trailers and escort vehicles.
• Assist with railroad derailment recovery operations.
• Learn to operate heavy recovery equipment under the guidance of experienced operators.
• Handle heavy steel chains, wire rope, rigging equipment, lifting blocks, and recovery tools.
• Climb on and beneath railcars and locomotives during recovery operations.
• Perform equipment setup, maintenance, cleaning, and inspections.
• Use hand tools, power tools, cutting torches, and welding equipment.
• Perform physically demanding work, including digging, lifting, rigging, and equipment setup.
• Follow all company safety procedures and operational standards.

Job description

Hulcher Services is seeking a CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice I to join its 24/7 emergency response team. This full-time role trains alongside experienced operators to learn crane, hydraulic, and recovery equipment used in railroad derailment response across the United States.

You’ll travel up to 50% and receive company-paid benefits, paid training, and weekly pay. The position emphasizes safety, hands-on learning, and a pathway to career advancement in a unique industry that supports