CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator

Socket.dev; Candor (NC); On-site; USD 54,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem

Hotel expenses for travel

Layover pay

Job summary

Socket.dev in Candor, NC is seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and rerailing projects. This hands-on role includes equipment operation, driving, material handling, and field work.

When not responding to emergencies, you’ll perform maintenance, safety training, and shop tasks. Required 24/7 availability and willingness to work overtime are emphasized in the posting.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a clean driving record.
• Experience in construction, equipment operation, or other physically demanding labor.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
• Must be available 24/7 for emergency response, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment per DOT requirements.
• Transport equipment and materials safely to and from sites.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized/overweight equipment.
• Participate in daily job planning and safety briefings.
• Load, unload, move, and position equipment for rerailing and railroad projects.
• Assist with train rerailing, load adjustment/transfer, track maintenance, repairs, construction, and grading.
• Help assemble, inspect, set up, and operate cranes and other heavy equipment.
• Assist with rigging and connecting chains, cables, and winches.
• Operate equipment including cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, skid-steer loaders.
• Monitor vehicles and equipment to maintain safe operation and perform minor service.

Skills

CDL Class A

Heavy equipment operation

Emergency response availability

Job description

CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator

Location: Candor, NC
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 Overview

We are seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and rerailing projects. This is a hands‑on position combining equipment operation, commercial driving, material handling, and physical field work.

Driving makes up only a portion of the role. When not responding to emergencies, employees may work in the shop, complete preventive maintenance, and participate in safety training.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT requirements.
• Transport equipment and materials safely to and from work sites.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized and overweight equipment.
• Participate in daily job planning and safety briefings.
• Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials for rerailing and railroad projects.
• Assist with train rerailing, load adjustment/transfer, track maintenance, repairs, construction, and grading.
• Help assemble, inspect, set up, and operate cranes and other heavy equipment.
• Assist with rigging and connecting chains, cables, and winches.
• Operate 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 vehicles and equipment to maintain safe and reliable operation.
  • Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service.
  • Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, and site cleanup.
  • Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies.
  • Maintain clean and organized work areas, vehicles, tools, and equipment.
  • Follow all required safety procedures.
  • Assist other teams or departments when needed.

Requirements

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

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including:
  • Backhoe
  • Bulldozer
  • Excavator
  • Front‑end loader
  • Grapple truck
  • Rail‑bound equipment
  • Tractor
  • Skid‑steer loader
  • Equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

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 time‑and‑a‑half overtime rates.
• Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay, 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.