CDL Equipment Operator – Rail Operations

Socket.dev; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev seeks an experienced Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad and heavy equipment operations across the Allentown region. This role involves transporting equipment to work locations, operating heavy machinery when qualified, and assisting with railroad recovery and track work.

The ideal candidate is physically capable, follows strict safety procedures, and responds to emergency service needs.

Qualifications

• Must have valid CDL Class A and a good driving record.
• Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding role.
• Able to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• Willing to respond to 24/7 emergency service calls, including weekends and holidays.
• Capable of outdoor heavy industrial work and maintaining safety.

Responsibilities

• Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Safely operate tractor-trailers to and from work locations.
• Inspect loads and equipment for overweight/oversize permits.
• Attend daily job planning and safety meetings.
• Load, unload, stage, and transport materials and equipment for field ops.
• Assist with railroad recovery activities, track work, and related projects.
• Assist with crane operation and rigging during railroad work.
• Operate heavy equipment when qualified and monitor safety of personnel.
• Support lifting, load transfers, and track construction activities.
• Keep vehicles and work areas clean and organized, report mechanical issues.

Skills

CDL Class A

Physical labor experience

24/7 availability

Safety conscious

Job description

CDL Equipment Operator – Rail Operations

Location: Allentown, PA
Job Type: Direct Hire – Full-Time
Starting Salary: $57,200 annually; higher pay may be available based on experience

Position Overview

We are looking for an experienced Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support specialized railroad and heavy equipment operations throughout the region. This position involves transporting equipment and materials to work locations, operating heavy machinery when qualified, and assisting with railroad recovery, track work, equipment handling, and related field activities.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a physically demanding environment, operating a variety of equipment, following strict safety procedures, and responding to emergency service needs.

This is a full-time direct-hire opportunity with benefits.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week
• Significant overtime, with combined regular and overtime hours averaging 60+ hours per week
• 24/7 on-call availability for emergency response
• Work performed outside of Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM is paid at the overtime rate of time and a half
• Per diem available
• Hotel accommodations/pay provided for qualifying travel
• Layover pay may be provided when applicable

Key Responsibilities

• Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT regulations and company procedures.
• Safely operate tractor-trailers to and from work locations.
• Inspect transported loads and equipment and verify that required transportation permits accurately reflect overweight and oversize specifications.
• Participate in daily job planning and safety meetings before work begins.
• Load, unload, stage, and transport materials and equipment required for field operations.
• Assist with railroad recovery activities, load adjustment and transfer work, track maintenance, repairs, new construction, and related projects.
• Assist with the assembly, inspection, setup, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.
• Assist with rigging and connecting chains, cables, and winches during railroad recovery operations.
• Operate equipment safely while remaining aware of surrounding personnel, vehicles, and site conditions.
• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and other machinery when qualified.
• Support specialty lifting, re-railing, load transfer, grading, track work, railroad construction, and related field activities.
• Use hydraulic equipment, welding and cutting tools, electrical tools, and common hand tools as required.
• Monitor vehicles and equipment to help maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.
• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service and report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Assist with disassembly and loading of cranes and other equipment at the completion of assignments.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, components, and supplies when returning to the home base.
• Sort and place scrap materials in designated areas.
• Assist other departments or divisions as needed to support operational requirements.
• Follow all required safety policies, procedures, and training requirements.
• Keep vehicles, equipment, and work areas clean, organized, and free of debris while maintaining expected quality and workmanship standards.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding role.
• Ability to successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• Ability and willingness to remain available 24/7 for emergency service calls, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to perform physical work in an outdoor/heavy industrial environment.
• Strong commitment to workplace and equipment safety.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment, 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.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Pre-employment drug screening
• Background check

Benefits

Full-time direct-hire employees are eligible for benefits.