CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Track

Qualdoc; Candor (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem for qualifying travel

Hotel accommodations/pay for travel

Layover pay when applicable

Job summary

Qualdoc is seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad track projects and emergency recovery operations in Candor, NC. This hands-on field role involves operating construction equipment, moving materials, and supporting track crews while frequently performing physical labor.

Driving is about 10% of the job, with 24/7 on-call availability including nights, weekends, and holidays. When not on an emergency or field project, you may assist with equipment maintenance, inspections,

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a clean driving record.
• Experience operating heavy construction equipment.
• Willing to work 24/7 on-call including nights, weekends, holidays.
• Must pass required drug screen and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Assist with railroad track maintenance, repair, construction, grading, and new-build projects.
• Support emergency railroad recovery and rerailing operations.
• Operate a tractor-trailer to transport equipment and materials to/from sites.
• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections per DOT regulations.
• Inspect loads and machinery and verify permits for overweight/oversized equipment.
• Load, unload, stage, secure, and position equipment at sites.
• Participate in job planning and daily safety briefings.
• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, operation, and disassembly.
• Perform rigging and connect chains, cables, and winches during recovery operations.
• Assist with load adjustment/transfer and railcar maintenance.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and hand tools.
• Monitor and maintain safe, reliable operation of equipment and vehicles.
• Document minor equipment maintenance.
• Report major issues to Supervisor and Foreman.
• Reload and secure equipment after assignments and assist with site cleanup.
• Restock vehicles with parts and supplies, sort and store scrap materials.
• Follow all safety policies and keep work areas clean.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety procedures

24/7 on-call readiness

Education

CDL-A license

Job description

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Track

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

Position Overview

We are looking for a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to assist with railroad track projects and emergency recovery operations.

This is a hands-on field position where driving is approximately 10% of the job. Most of the work involves operating construction equipment, moving materials, supporting track crews, and performing physical labor.

The position requires someone who can respond quickly to changing work conditions and remain available for 24/7 emergency calls, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

When not assigned to an emergency or field project, employees may assist with equipment preventive maintenance, inspections, and safety training at the shop.

Schedule & Compensation

• Full-time position with benefits
• 40 hours guaranteed each week
• Average of 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours
• 24/7 on-call availability
• Starting pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience
• Work performed outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM is paid at time-and-a-half overtime
• Per diem for qualifying travel
• Hotel expenses for travel
• Layover pay when applicable

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with railroad track maintenance, repair, construction, grading, and new-build projects.
• Support emergency railroad recovery and rerailing operations as needed.
• Operate a tractor-trailer to 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 regulations.
• Inspect transported loads and machinery and verify applicable permits for overweight or oversized equipment.
• Load, unload, stage, secure, and position equipment and materials at job sites.
• Participate in job planning and daily safety briefings.
• 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 recovery operations.
• Assist with load adjustment/transfer, specialty lifting, railroad car maintenance and repair, and other track-related work.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor equipment and vehicles to help maintain safe and reliable operation.
• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle maintenance.
• Report major mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
• Reload and secure equipment after completing assignments and assist with site cleanup.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, components, and supplies.
• Sort and properly store scrap materials.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain clean and organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
• Assist other departments or crews when needed.

Requirements

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
• Construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience.
• Ability to safely operate heavy construction equipment.
• Comfortable performing hands-on physical labor.
• Ability to work in a 24/7 emergency-response/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:

• Backhoe
• Bulldozer
• ExcavatorFront-end loader
• Grapple truck
• Rail-bound equipment
• Tractor
• Skid-steer loader

Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screen
• Background check

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

Benefits

• Full-time employment with benefits
• Guaranteed 40 hours per week
• Significant overtime opportunities
• Per diem for qualifying assignments
• Hotel accommodations/pay for qualifying travel
• Layover pay when applicable