Apprentice Operator I

Hulcher Services Inc•Houston, TX

5d•$27 - $29

About The Position

Hulcher Services is hiring a CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice I to train alongside experienced crews and support railroad derailment response and recovery operations. This role involves transporting specialized heavy equipment, assisting with recovery work, and learning to operate cranes, hydraulic equipment, and other heavy recovery machinery under experienced operators’ guidance. The position supports emergency operations throughout an assigned region and requires travel up to 50%. The work is physically demanding and takes place outdoors in varied weather and around active railroads, heavy equipment, bridges, waterways, and industrial environments. The role is full-time and year-round, with a standard Monday-through-Friday schedule, on-call emergency response coverage, and overtime opportunities.

Requirements

Valid Class A CDL with no restrictions.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
Willingness and ability to work in a 24/7, 365-day emergency response environment and be on call.
Ability to pass required background screenings and pre-employment requirements.
Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting 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.
Ability to conduct maintenance inspections on equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in heavy equipment operation, construction, truck driving, rigging, railroad work, crane operations, welding, diesel mechanics, oil and gas, utilities, military, 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 company safety procedures and operational standards.
Be available for a 24/7 emergency response on-call rotation, including immediate derailment response.
Travel throughout the assigned territory.