Grapple Operator

Northern Plains Railroad, Inc.; Hastings (MN); On-site; USD 66,560 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Grapple Operator position at Northern Plains Services, Inc. in Hastings, MN, drives tractor trailers and heavy trucks to load, transport, and unload materials and equipment for track projects.

The role includes maintaining logbooks, performing physical labor, and supporting restoration and construction tasks on a flexible schedule. Applicants must hold a North Dakota Class A CDL with a health card, have at least 1 year of semi-truck experience, and be able to travel regionally; DOT medical

Qualifications

• Must possess and maintain a North Dakota Class A CDL with health card.
• 1 year of experience driving a semi-truck.
• Ability to obtain a DOT medical card.
• Insurable driving status per NPRS requirements.
• Class A unrestricted CDL required.

Responsibilities

• Operate tractor trailers and heavy trucks; load, transport, and unload materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Maintain logs compliant with DOT regulations.
• Perform physical labor including bending, lifting, and climbing.
• Assist in restoration and construction of track structures.
• Travel as required; overtime may be needed.
• Ensure vehicle is compliant with DMV rules and safety inspections.
• Participate in DOT drug and alcohol testing program.
• Conduct basic safety and vehicle inspections before/after trips.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on assigned truck.
• Operate equipment to move, secure, and unload trailers.
• Demonstrate equipment operation to customers as required.
• Use road maps for timely transportation and manage permits and paperwork.
• Maintain flexibility to meet company/customer needs.

Skills

CDL

Travel ability

Education

GED or higher

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Grapple Operator

Full Time Hastings, MN, Hastings, MN, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1271

Salary Range: $66,560.00 To $80,000.00 Annually

Company:Northern Plains Services, Inc.

Business Unit:Complete Track Works

Department:Maintenance & Repair

Travel:Regional 25% and Production 80+ %

Schedule: Varies. M-F - 07:00-15:30 with additional hours as necessary.

Compensation: $32-$35

The estimated annual compensation for this position is $66,560-$80,000, based on 2025 compensation data. This range includes hourly wages, overtime earnings, non-taxable per diem, paid time off, and holiday pay. Actual compensation may vary based on qualifications, experience, location, and overnight travel.

Summary:

The Grapple Operator position operates tractor trailers, medium and heavy trucks, load, transport, and unload materials, equipment, and supplies for the company.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:

• Operate tractor trailers and medium and heavy trucks. Load, transport, and unload materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Maintain truck with accurate and up to date logbooks in compliance with DOT regulations and guidelines.
• Perform manual labor consisting of bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and lifting while working at ground level.
• Assist in the restoration, renewal, maintenance, and new construction of track structures as needed.
• Ability to travel. Overtime.
• Properly utilizes company vehicle; operates in compliance with DMV rules and regulations.
• Participates in U.S. Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing program.
• Performs basic safety and operational vehicle inspections before and after each trip.
• Performs daily / routine maintenance and / or mechanical repairs of assigned truck as skill and time allows.
• Operates a variety of equipment to move them on, properly secure, and remove them off the trailer at destinations.
• Demonstrate basic equipment operation to customers as required.
• Uses road maps for efficient and timely transportation.
• Maintains proper permits, bills of landing, invoices, and other forms to account for pick up and deliveries.
• Works flexible schedule to meet the needs of the Company and the customer.
• Will perform work on Northern Plains Railroad as directed.

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Must possess and maintain a current North Dakota Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL). Health card required.
• Able to operate heavy equipment or possess comprehensive skills to learn.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform on uneven or slippery surfaces, platforms, ladders, and equipment in all weather and temperature conditions. Most of the day could be spent standing on foot. Eye/hand coordination, hand/feet dexterity and grasping hand tools, materials & equipment is required. The employee is frequently required to perform manual labor & physical activities that require considerable use of the whole body, such as standing and lifting from various levels.
• Additional physical demands are listed in the chart below.
• May require travel to various facilities and provide additional services.
• Continuous: Must wear appropriate safety equipment such as safety glasses, hard hats, safety footwear, and hearing protection as required by the company. Exposed to noise.
• Frequent: Exposure to smoke, dust, fumes, odors, grease, oil. Works outdoors in hot and cold temperatures and in all extreme weather conditions. Exposed to vibrations, works with moving machinery, works at heights.
• Occasional: Exposure to electrical hazards, works in cramped quarters, works inside, chemicals, stand on concrete, shift work, walks on uneven or slippery surface, wet conditions, works with others & alone, paperwork.
• Rare: Works with toxic materials.

Education and Training:

• GED or higher.
• 1 years’ experience driving a semi-truck.
• Class A unrestricted CDL Required.
• Ability to obtain a DOT medical card required.
• Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPRS driver provisions.

Requirements of Joining Our Team:

Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well‑being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to:

1. Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug‑free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post‑accident testing may also be required throughout employment.

2.Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.

3.Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.

4.Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position.

We value transparency and the safety of our employees and customers, and these steps are essential in upholding our commitment to excellence.

LIFT 2 - Physical Demands Checklist

* Never (N) = Not at all * Rarely (R) = 1-5% * Occasionally (O) = 6-33% * Frequently (F) = 34-66% * Continuously (C) = 67-100%

TASKS

N 0%

R 1-5%

O

6- 33%

F

34- 66%

C 67-100%

Comments

X

Standing

X

X

WalkingDistance:600ft

X

X

X

X

Sittingwhiletwisting&reachingaboveshoulderlevel

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

NOTPassorFail

X

X

X

X

Reaching- Forward

X

X

Reaching-Overheadarm’slength

X

X

N 0%

R 1-5%

O

6- 33%

F

34- 66%

C 67-100%

Comments

ReachingLowLevel

X

X

StaticPush/Pull:Staticpushforce50#atshoulderlevel

X

X

Push/Pull:90#forceatwaistlevel,simulatethrow aswitch

X

X

Shoveling

X

X

GripStrengthmin.50#

X

X

X

X

Lift/Carry

FloortoWaist&BilateralCarry

<10#

X

X

11-24 #

X

X

25-34 #

X

X

35-50 #

X

X

Lift 50#WaisttoCrown

X

X

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE

Working around moving machinery,parts&equipment

X

X

Workingoutside&extremeweather conditions

X

X

Exposuretoheat/humidity

X

X

Exposuretocold

X

X

Usingpowerequipment

X

X

Slipperysurfaces

X

X

X

X

Workswithothers,alone, paperwork

X

X

Dust,Smoke,Odors,Fumes,Grease,Oil

X

X

Hearing

X

X

Hearing acuity-MEC/Medical Examiner's Certificate DOT vs FRA-DOT vs OSHA

Speech

X

X

Vision

X

X

Vision acuity-MEC/Medical Examiner's CertificateDOTvsFRA-DOTvsStandard

Standard Vision

X

X

Worksatheights

X

X

N 0%

R 1-5%

O

6- 33%

F

34- 66%

C 67-100%

Comments

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

ChemicalExposure

X

X

Vibration

X

X

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be

required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned. This Job Description may change at any

time declared by Management.

NPRS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation. NPRS is a tradename used by Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR), Northern Plains Services, Inc. (NPS), and All Rail, Inc. (All Rail).