Railroad CDL Operator – Allentown, PA

Socket.dev; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Per diem available

Hotel pay for travel assignments

Layover pay when applicable

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Railroad CDL Operator in Allentown, PA with regional travel. The role involves transport, crane and heavy equipment operation, and field support for rerailing and track construction. Expect 60+ hours weekly with overtime and a full benefits package.

Responsibilities include pre/post-trip inspections, load handling, permits review, and safety briefings. Requires a Class A CDL and willingness to work flexible hours on a 24/7 schedule.

Qualifications

• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required.
• Good driving record.
• Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding field.
• Must be able to complete required qualification tests and safety programs.
• Must be available 24/7 including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to safely perform physical work in field and construction environments.

Responsibilities

• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment according to DOT requirements.
• Operate tractor-trailers to and from work sites while inspecting loads and equipment.
• Review transportation permits and confirm overweight/oversize specifications are accurate.
• Attend daily job planning discussions and safety briefings.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment for rerailing, transfers, track maintenance, and new construction.
• Assist with crane and heavy equipment setup, inspection, rigging, and operation.
• Connect and work with chains, cables, and winches during derailment operations.
• Operate equipment safely while monitoring site conditions.
• Restock vehicles with parts and supplies upon returning to the home base.

Skills

CDL Class A

Safe driving

Heavy equipment operation

Emergency response readiness

24/7 availability

DOT compliance

Job description

Railroad CDL Operator – Allentown, PA

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Location: Regional Travel
Starting Pay: $26/hour — higher depending on experience
Benefits: Full benefits package

Position Overview

We are hiring Class A CDL operators for a regional railroad support position involving emergency derailment response, equipment transportation, rerailing work, track projects, and related field operations.

In this role, you will transport and handle equipment and materials, operate heavy equipment when qualified, and support field crews with rerailing, load transfers, railroad car maintenance, track repair, and new track construction.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week
• Regular and overtime hours average 60+ hours per week
• 24/7 on-call availability for emergency response
• Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM is the regular schedule
• Hours worked outside the regular schedule are paid at 1.5x overtime
• Per diem available for qualifying travel
• Hotel pay for travel assignments
• Layover pay when applicable

Key Responsibilities

• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment according to DOT requirements and established procedures.
• Operate tractor-trailers to and from work sites while inspecting transported loads and equipment.
• Review transportation permits and confirm overweight/oversize load specifications are accurate.
• Attend daily job planning discussions and safety briefings before beginning field activities.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for rerailing, load transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and new construction.
• Assist with site preparation, cleanup, equipment breakdown, and secure loading at the completion of assignments.
• Assist with the setup, inspection, rigging, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.
• Connect and work with chains, cables, and winches during derailment and rerailing operations.
• Operate equipment safely while maintaining awareness of surrounding personnel, vehicles, and site conditions.
• Operate equipment such as:
• Cranes
• Backhoes
• Grapple trucks
• Dump trucks
• Excavators
• Bulldozers
• Front-end loaders
• Rail-bound equipment
• Tractor and skid-steer loaders
• Support specialty lifting, rerailing, load transfers, grading, track repair, and railroad construction activities.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, 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 servicing; report more complex mechanical issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
• Assist with crane and equipment disassembly and loading when assignments are complete.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, components, and supplies upon returning to the home base.
• Sort scrap materials and place them in designated areas.
• Maintain organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
• Remove debris and trash and maintain the expected level of quality and workmanship.
• Follow all required safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Assist other departments or divisions when needed to support business operations and customer requirements.

Requirements

• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Good driving record
• Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding field
• Ability to successfully complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs
• Must be available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, for emergency service calls
• Ability to safely perform physical work in field and construction environments

Preferred Experience

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

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check