CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator

Socket.dev; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 36,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem provided

Hotel expenses covered for travel

Layover pay when applicable

Job summary

Socket.dev seeks a Class A CDL driver with heavy equipment experience to support railroad emergency response and construction activities. The role combines commercial driving, equipment operation, material handling, and field work related to derailment recovery and track maintenance.

The position requires 24/7 on-call availability, 60+ hours weekly, with 40 hours guaranteed and overtime paid at 1.5x. Per diem and hotel expenses are provided for travel.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction or heavy equipment fields.
• Must be available for 24/7 emergency responses, including holidays.

Responsibilities

• Perform DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
• Safely operate tractor-trailers and transport equipment/materials to job sites.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for oversize/weight transportation.
• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.

Skills

CDL-A

Heavy equipment

DOT inspections

Safety compliance

Emergency response

Tools

Cranes

Backhoes

Grapple trucks

Bulldozers

Job description

CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Location: Regional Travel
Starting Pay: $26/hour — higher pay available based on experience
Benefits: Full benefits package

Position Overview

Seeking a Class A CDL driver with heavy equipment experience to support railroad emergency response and construction activities. This position combines commercial driving, equipment operation, material handling, and hands‑on field work related to train derailment recovery, track work, and railroad equipment.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week
• Average of 60+ hours/week including regular and overtime hours
• 24/7 on‑call availability for emergency response, including weekends and holidays
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime
• Per diem provided
• Hotel expenses covered for travel
• Layover pay when applicable

Responsibilities

• Complete DOT‑compliant pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment
• Safely operate tractor‑trailers and transport equipment/materials to and from job sites
• Inspect loads and verify permits for oversize and overweight transportation
• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings
• Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials for field operations
• Support train re‑railing, load transfer, track maintenance/repair, grading, and railroad construction
• Assist with setup, inspection, assembly, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment
• Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery
• Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, front‑end loaders, rail‑bound equipment, tractors, and skid steers
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and hand tools
• Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe and reliable operation
• Perform and document minor equipment/vehicle servicing and report major mechanical issues
• Assist with crane and equipment breakdown, loading, and transport after completing assignments
• Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, components, and supplies
• Sort and properly dispose of scrap materials
• Keep vehicles, equipment, and work areas clean, organized, and ready for use
• Follow all required safety policies and procedures
• Assist other departments or teams as needed to meet operational requirements

Requirements

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record
• Experience in construction labor, heavy equipment, or another physically demanding field role
• Ability to successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs
• Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in an active field environment

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front‑end loaders, grapple trucks, rail‑bound equipment, tractors, and skid‑steer loaders, or an equivalent combination of training and experience

Pre‑Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check