CDL-A Rerail Operator

Socket.dev; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time benefits

Overtime pay

Per diem

Hotel expenses for travel

Layover pay

Job summary

Socket.dev in Minneapolis, MN is seeking a Class A CDL Rerail Operator to support railroad emergency response and recovery operations. This role blends heavy equipment operation with transportation, material handling, and hands-on field work.

Drive is only part of the job: you will perform inspections, assist with maintenance, safety training, and on-call emergency responses. The schedule guarantees 40 hours weekly with significant overtime, and the team offers competitive benefits and travel

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction or equipment operation.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment.
• Must be available 24/7 for emergency response.
• Comfortable performing physical field work and extended hours.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections per DOT requirements.
• Transport equipment safely between locations.
• Inspect loads and confirm permits for oversized/overweight equipment.
• Load, unload, and stage equipment for rerailing and operations.
• Assist with train rerailing, car maintenance, and track work.
• Operate cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, and loaders.
• Follow safety policies and assist other crews as needed.

Skills

CDL-A

Heavy equipment operation

Physical labor

24/7 availability

Tools

Cranes

Backhoes

Bulldozers

Excavators

Front-end loaders

Grapple trucks

Dump trucks

Rail-bound equipment

Tractors

Skid-steer loaders

Job description

CDL-A Rerail 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 Overview

We are hiring a Class A CDL Rerail Operator to assist with railroad emergency response and recovery operations. This position combines equipment operation, transportation, material handling, and hands-on field work.

Driving is only a small part of the position. When not responding to emergencies, employees may assist with equipment maintenance, preventive maintenance, and safety training.

Responsibilities

• Complete pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT requirements.
• Transport equipment, machinery, and materials safely to and from work locations.
• Inspect loads and confirm permits for oversized or overweight equipment.
• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for rerailing and railroad operations.
• Assist with train rerailing, load adjustment and transfer, railroad car maintenance/repair, track maintenance, repair, and new construction.
• Help assemble, inspect, and operate cranes and other equipment.
• Assist with rigging and connecting chains, cables, and winches.
• Operate equipment such as:
  • 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 help maintain safe and reliable operation.
  • Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing.
  • Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, and cleanup after assignments.
  • Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, components, and supplies.
  • Maintain organized work areas, vehicles, tools, and equipment.
  • Follow all safety policies and procedures.
  • Assist other departments or crews as 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 safely operate heavy equipment.
• Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• Must be available 24/7 for emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
• Comfortable performing physical field work and working extended hours when required.

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.