Railroad Equipment Operator – CDL-A

Socket.dev; Taneytown (MD); On-site; USD 49,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

Socket.dev in Taneytown, MD is seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and field operations. This full-time, direct-hire role involves transporting and operating heavy equipment, assisting with train re-railing, track work, load transfers, equipment maintenance, and related construction activities.

Starting salary is $57,200 per year, with higher pay possible based on experience.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction, heavy labor, or a similar physically demanding field.
• Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Perform DOT-compliant pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Operate tractor-trailers and transport machinery to and from work sites.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight/oversize transportation.
• Participate in daily safety meetings and review work plans before starting assignments.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment for re-railing, load transfer, track work, and railroad construction.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, and operation.
• Rig and connect chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery operations.
• Operate cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, loaders, bulldozers, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders when qualified.
• Assist with railroad track maintenance, repair, and new construction.

Job description

Railroad Equipment Operator – CDL-A

Location: Taneytown, MD
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Salary: $57,200.00, with higher pay possible based on experience

We are hiring a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and field operations. This role involves transporting and operating heavy equipment, assisting with train re-railing, track work, load transfers, equipment maintenance, and related construction activities.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week
• Regular overtime; average workweek is 60+ hours including overtime
• 24/7 on-call emergency response, including weekends and holidays
• Time-and-a-half for hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay when applicable
• Full benefits package

Key Responsibilities

• Perform DOT-compliant pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Operate tractor-trailers and safely transport machinery, materials, and equipment to and from work sites.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight and oversized transportation.
• Participate in daily safety meetings and review work plans before starting assignments.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for re-railing, load transfer, track work, grading, and railroad construction.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, and operation.
• Rig and connect chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery operations.
• Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, bulldozers, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders when qualified.
• Assist with railroad track maintenance, repair, new construction, specialty lifting, and related field work.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor vehicles and equipment to maintain safe and reliable operation.
• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service; report major mechanical issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Assist with equipment breakdown, loading, transportation, and site cleanup.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, supplies, and components.
• Sort and properly dispose of scrap materials.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures and assist other departments as needed.

Requirements

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record
• Experience in construction, heavy labor, or a similar physically demanding field
• Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs
• Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays
• Ability to work safely around heavy machinery and other field personnel

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders
• Equivalent combination of training and hands-on experience may be considered

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check