CDL A Railroad Equipment Operator

qualdoc· Qualdoc Staffing
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📍 Minneapolis, MNDirect Hire

About this role

CDL A Railroad Equipment Operator

Location: Minneapolis, MN
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $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

Seeking a Class A CDL professional to support railroad recovery and field operations. This is primarily a hands-on equipment and field position—driving accounts for approximately 10% of the job.

The role involves heavy equipment operation, material handling, rigging, railroad recovery, and physical work at job sites. Candidates must be comfortable with a 24/7 emergency on-call schedule, including weekends and holidays.

What You'll Do

  • Perform DOT-compliant pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
  • Transport machinery, equipment, and materials to and from work sites.
  • Inspect loads and verify permits for overweight and oversized transportation.
  • Participate in daily safety briefings and review work plans.
  • Load, unload, move, and position equipment and materials.
  • Support train rerailing, load transfers, railroad car maintenance/repair, and track maintenance, repair, and construction.
  • Assist with the assembly, setup, inspection, and operation of cranes and other equipment.
  • Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
  • Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and excavators.
  • Perform specialty lifting, rerailing, load transfer, grading, and railroad construction work.
  • Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
  • Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe and reliable operation.
  • Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle service.
  • Report major mechanical concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
  • Assist with crane and equipment disassembly and loading after assignments.
  • Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies.
  • Clean and organize equipment, vehicles, tools, and work areas.
  • Assist other departments as needed.
  • Follow all required safety procedures and regulations.

Equipment Experience

    3+ years of heavy equipment operation preferred, including experience with:

    • Backhoes
    • Bulldozers
    • Excavators
    • Front-end loaders
    • Grapple trucks
    • Rail-bound equipment
    • Tractors
    • Skid-steer loaders

      • Equivalent combinations of relevant training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Requirements

  • Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a good driving record.
  • Construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience.
  • Ability to safely operate heavy equipment.
  • Ability to complete required qualification testing, training, and safety programs.
  • Comfortable working in emergency-response situations and extended-hour assignments.
  • Ability to perform physically demanding field work.
  • Must be available 24/7 for emergency calls, including weekends and holidays.

Schedule & Compensation

  • 40 hours guaranteed per week.
  • Significant overtime; typical combined regular and overtime hours average 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
  • Hours outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half.
  • Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.
  • During downtime between emergency assignments, employees may assist with safety training, preventive maintenance, and equipment-related shop work.

Pre-Employment Requirements

    • Pre-employment drug screening
    • Background check
    • Required qualification and safety testing

      • Interview: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the CDL A Railroad Equipment Operator position at qualdoc?
The salary for this CDL A Railroad Equipment Operator role at qualdoc is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the CDL A Railroad Equipment Operator position at qualdoc located?
This CDL A Railroad Equipment Operator role at qualdoc is based in Minneapolis, MN. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the CDL A Railroad Equipment Operator role at qualdoc full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Direct Hire position. It is posted as a CDL A Railroad Equipment Operator role in the Qualdoc Staffing department at qualdoc.
Which team or department does the CDL A Railroad Equipment Operator at qualdoc belong to?
This CDL A Railroad Equipment Operator position is part of the Qualdoc Staffing department at qualdoc. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the CDL A Railroad Equipment Operator position at qualdoc?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to qualdoc's official application portal hosted on lever where you can submit your application directly.
When was the CDL A Railroad Equipment Operator job at qualdoc posted?
This CDL A Railroad Equipment Operator position at qualdoc was posted on Oct 1, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
CDL A Railroad Equipment Operator
qualdoc
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