Heavy Equipment & CDL Field Operator

Socket.dev; Taneytown (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev in Taneytown, MD seeks a Heavy Equipment & CDL Field Operator to transport and operate heavy machinery while supporting railroad recovery, track and construction projects. The role combines commercial driving with hands-on equipment operation, material handling, and field support.

The position requires safety-minded individuals who can work in demanding field conditions and respond to emergency assignments as needed. 40 hours guaranteed, with overtime and on-call responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding position.
• Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• Available 24/7 for emergency service calls, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work safely in outdoor environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT regulations and company procedures.
• Operate tractor-trailers safely to and from job sites.
• Inspect transported equipment and loads and verify permits for overweight and oversize transportation.
• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.
• Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials for field operations.
• Support railroad re-railing, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and new construction activities.
• Assist with assembly, inspection, setup, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.
• Assist with rigging chains, cables, and winches during railroad recovery operations.
• Operate equipment safely while maintaining awareness of coworkers, surroundings, and site conditions.
• Operate cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and other equipment when qualified.
• Support specialty lifting, re-railing, load transfer, grading, track work, and railroad construction activities.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as required.
• Monitor equipment and vehicles to help maintain operational readiness and reduce downtime.
• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service and report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Assist with equipment disassembly and loading at the completion of field assignments.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, components, and supplies.
• Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.
• Assist other departments or divisions when needed to meet operational requirements.
• Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas.
• Follow all required safety policies and procedures.

Skills

CDL

Safety-minded

Physical stamina

24/7 availability

Job description

Heavy Equipment & CDL Field Operator

Location: Taneytown, MD
Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available based on experience
Starting Salary: $57,200 annually, with higher pay available based on experience

Position Overview

We are hiring a Class A CDL Field Operator to transport and operate heavy equipment while supporting railroad recovery, track, and construction-related projects. This position combines commercial driving with hands‑on equipment operation, material handling, and field support.

The role requires a safety‑focused individual who can work in demanding field conditions and respond to emergency assignments when needed.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed each week
• Regular and overtime hours may average 60+ hours per week
• 24/7 on‑call availability for emergency response, including weekends and holidays
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at time‑and‑half
• Per diem available
• Hotel pay provided for qualifying travel
• Layover pay may apply when hours exceed scheduled work requirements
• Full‑time position with benefits

Key Responsibilities

• Perform required pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT regulations and company procedures.
• Operate tractor‑trailers safely to and from job sites.
• Inspect transported equipment and loads and verify permits for overweight and oversize transportation.
• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.
• Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials for field operations.
• Support railroad re‑railing, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and new construction activities.
• Assist with the assembly, inspection, setup, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.
• Assist with rigging chains, cables, and winches during railroad recovery operations.
• Operate equipment safely while maintaining awareness of coworkers, surroundings, and site conditions.
• Operate cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and other equipment when qualified.
• Support specialty lifting, re‑railing, load transfer, grading, track work, and railroad construction activities.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as required.
• Monitor equipment and vehicles to help maintain operational readiness and reduce downtime.
• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service and report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Assist with equipment disassembly and loading at the completion of field assignments.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, components, and supplies.
• Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.
• Assist other departments or divisions when needed to meet operational requirements.
• Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas.
• Follow all required safety policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding position.
• Ability to successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• Ability to remain available 24/7 for emergency service calls, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work safely in outdoor and physically demanding environments.

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

An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check