Apprentice Operator I
About The Position
Hulcher Services is hiring a CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice I to support railroad derailment response and recovery operations. The apprentice will receive hands-on training alongside experienced operators to learn safe recovery of derailed railcars and locomotives using cranes, hydraulic equipment, and other specialized machinery. The role involves transporting equipment, working in physically demanding field conditions, and responding to emergency railroad operations throughout an assigned region. Travel may be up to 50%, and the work supports a 24/7 emergency response operation. The position is full-time and year-round, with a standard Monday-through-Friday schedule, a 24/7 on-call rotation for emergency derailment response, and overtime available during emergency response operations. Hulcher Services describes itself as a nationwide railroad derailment response, engineering, track maintenance, environmental services, and disaster recovery company, with more than 500 employees across over 25 divisions in the United States and Mexico.
Requirements
- Valid Class A CDL with no restrictions.
- Valid driver's license.
- Ability to travel up to 50%.
- Willingness to work in a 24/7 emergency response environment.
- Ability to pass required background screenings and pre-employment requirements.
- Ability to lift up to 100 pounds occasionally and 50 pounds frequently.
- Comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Comfort working at heights exceeding 25 feet and around water when required.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in heavy equipment operation, construction, truck driving, rigging, railroad work, crane operations, welding, diesel mechanics, oil and gas, utilities, military service, or agriculture.
Responsibilities
- Transport specialized heavy equipment using tractor-trailers and escort vehicles.
- Assist with railroad derailment recovery operations.
- Learn to operate heavy recovery equipment under the guidance of experienced operators.
- Handle heavy steel chains, wire rope, rigging equipment, lifting blocks, and recovery tools.
- Climb on and beneath railcars and locomotives during recovery operations.
- Perform equipment setup, maintenance, cleaning, and inspections.
- Use hand tools, power tools, cutting torches, and welding equipment.
- Perform physically demanding work, including digging, lifting, rigging, and equipment setup.
- Work safely around heavy equipment, active railroads, bridges, waterways, and industrial environments.
- Follow all company safety procedures and operational standards.
Benefits
- Company-paid benefits.
- Paid training.
- Career advancement opportunities.
- Weekly pay.
- Overtime opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
