Railroad Heavy Equipment Operator – CDL-A
Location: West Chicago, IL
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Travel: Local and out-of-area emergency assignments
Benefits: Full-time position with benefits
Position Overview
Seeking a Class A CDL Heavy Equipment Operator for railroad recovery, construction, transportation, and field work. This hands-on role combines CDL driving, heavy equipment operation, rigging, material handling, and railroad maintenance.
24/7 emergency availability is required, including weekends and holidays.
Responsibilities
- Complete DOT-required pre- and post-trip inspections.
- Drive and transport trucks, machinery, materials, and equipment to job sites.
- Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight transportation.
- Participate in work planning and daily safety meetings.
- Load, unload, stage, and position equipment and materials.
- Support train rerailing, load transfers, track maintenance/repair, and railroad construction.
- Assist with the setup, inspection, and operation of cranes and other equipment.
- Perform rigging with chains, cables, and winches.
- Assist with equipment breakdown, loading, transportation, and site cleanup.
- Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe operation and readiness.
- Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle maintenance.
- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and hand tools.
- Keep vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas clean and organized.
- Restock parts, supplies, and components as needed.
- Follow safety procedures and assist other teams when required.
Equipment Experience
Experience with any of the following is preferred:
Cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.
Qualifications
- Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
- Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or physically demanding field work.
- Ability to safely operate heavy equipment.
- Ability to complete required training, qualification testing, and safety programs.
- Comfortable working extended hours and responding to emergency situations.
- Able to perform physically demanding work in field conditions.
- Available for 24/7 emergency calls, weekends, and holidays.
Preferred: 3+ years of heavy equipment operation, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders. Equivalent training and hands-on experience may be considered.
Hours & Additional Pay
- 40 hours guaranteed each week.
- Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some reaching approximately 70 hours.
- Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime.
- Per diem, hotel expenses for required travel, and layover pay may be available when applicable.
- Local and out-of-area emergency assignments may be required.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screening
- Background check
- Required qualification and safety testing
Interview: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots.