Railroad Rerail Equipment Operator – CDL-A

Qualdoc; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem

Hotel pay for travel

Layover pay

Job summary

Qualdoc is hiring a CDL-A Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and rerailing operations in Minneapolis, MN. This hands-on role involves heavy equipment operation, CDL driving, equipment maintenance, and site work.

Driving is about 10% of the job, with 24/7 on-call readiness and significant overtime. Candidates must operate cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, and other heavy equipment, while performing inspections, safety meetings, and on-site planning.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Respond to train derailments and assist with rerailing, load transfer, and railroad track repair or construction.

Skills

CDL-A

Heavy equipment operation

On-call readiness

DOT compliance

Safety-minded

Tools

Cranes

Backhoes

Grapple trucks

Dump trucks

Excavators

Front-end loaders

Rail-bound equipment

Job description

Railroad Rerail Equipment Operator – CDL-A

Location: Minneapolis, MN
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Pay: Starting at $26.00/hour; higher pay available depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Availability: 24/7 emergency on-call
Benefits: Full-time benefits

Position Overview

We are hiring a CDL-A Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and rerailing operations. This is a hands‑on position that combines heavy equipment operation, CDL driving, equipment maintenance, and physical job‑site work.

Driving is approximately 10% of the role. Candidates must be comfortable with 24/7 emergency on-call work, including weekends and holidays.

• Respond to train derailments and assist with rerailing, load transfer, and railroad track repair or construction.
• Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, front‑end loaders, rail‑bound equipment, tractors, and skid‑steer loaders.
• Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites and inspect loads, permits, trucks, trailers, and machinery.
• Complete required pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections in accordance with DOT requirements.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, disassembly, and loading.
• Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches during derailment operations.
• Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials at job sites.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Perform minor equipment and vehicle service, including basic maintenance, and report more complex repairs.
• Participate in job‑site safety meetings and daily work planning.
• Monitor equipment to help maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.
• Clean and organize vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
• Restock equipment and vehicles with required parts, supplies, and components after assignments.
• Sort and properly store scrap materials.
• Assist other departments or crews as needed.
• 40 hours guaranteed per week
• Significant overtime; typical weeks average 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime.
• 24/7 emergency on-call availability is required.
• Per diem, hotel pay for qualifying travel, and layover pay may be available.
• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction, industrial work, or another physically demanding labor environment.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
• Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• Comfortable responding to emergency calls at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to perform physical job‑site work and work safely around heavy equipment.
• 3+ years operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front‑end loaders, grapple trucks, rail‑bound equipment, tractors, or skid‑steer loaders.
• Equivalent combinations of training and hands‑on experience may be considered.

Interview: Candidates should bring steel‑toed boots.

• Drug screening
• Background check