CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator

Lever, Inc.; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem

Travel hotel expenses

Job summary

Lever, Inc. in Minneapolis, MN is seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response, rerailing and recovery operations.

This field-based role includes commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, rigging and hands-on railroad work. Driving is one aspect; when not responding to emergencies, you may assist with equipment servicing, maintenance, shop activities and safety training.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a clean driving record.
• Experience in construction, equipment operation, or physically demanding field work.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
• Must be available for 24/7 emergency response.
• Ability to work long hours and in varying outdoor conditions.

Responsibilities

• Perform DOT inspections before and after operating trucks and equipment.
• Safely move and position equipment, materials, and loads at multiple locations.
• Assist with rigging, crane setup, and maintenance tasks.
• Support railroad emergency response, rerailing, and recovery operations.
• Work with teams in daily planning meetings and safety briefings.

Skills

CDL driving

Heavy equipment operation

Rigging

Safety training

Team collaboration

Tools

Cranes

Backhoes

Bulldozers

Excavators

Front-end loaders

Grapple trucks

Job description

CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator

Location: Minneapolis, MN
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour — higher pay available depending on experience
Benefits: Full-time benefits
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Availability: 24/7 emergency on-call

Position Summary

Seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response, rerailing, and recovery operations. This field-based position involves commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, material handling, rigging, and hands‑on railroad work.

Driving is only one part of the role. During non-emergency periods, team members may assist with equipment servicing, preventive maintenance, shop activities, and safety training.

Key Duties

• Perform DOT‑required inspections before and after operating trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Safely move equipment, machinery, and materials between work locations.
• Inspect transported loads and verify required permits for oversized or overweight equipment.
• Participate in daily planning meetings and safety briefings.
• Load, unload, position, and stage equipment and materials for railroad and rerailing operations.
• Assist with
  • Train rerailing
  • Load adjustment and transfer
  • Railroad car maintenance and repair
  • Track maintenance and repairs
  • New track construction
• Assist with crane assembly, setup, inspection, and operation.
• Perform rigging tasks using chains, cables, and winches.
• Operate and assist with heavy equipment, including
  • Cranes
  • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Excavators
  • Front‑end loaders
  • Grapple trucks
  • Dump trucks
  • Rail‑bound equipment
  • Tractors
  • Skid‑steer loaders
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor trucks and equipment for safe and reliable operation.
• Complete and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing.
• Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, transportation, and post‑job cleanup.
• Maintain adequate supplies, parts, and components in vehicles and equipment.
• Keep work areas, vehicles, tools, and equipment clean and organized.
• Follow all applicable safety procedures and requirements.
• Provide support to other crews and departments when needed.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction, equipment operation, or physically demanding field work.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
• Ability to successfully complete required qualifications, training, and safety programs.
• Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
• Comfortable performing physical field work and working extended hours when necessary.

Preferred Experience

3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including:

• Backhoes
• Bulldozers
• Excavators
• Front‑end loaders
• Grapple trucks
• Rail‑bound equipment
• Tractors
• Skid‑steer loaders

Equivalent combinations of relevant training and hands‑on experience may be considered.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.
• Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at the applicable 1.5x overtime rate.
• Per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay may be available when applicable.
• 24/7 on-call availability is required for emergency response.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check
• Required qualification and safety testing

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