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. The apprentice trains alongside experienced operators to learn how to safely recover derailed railcars and locomotives using cranes, hydraulic equipment, and other specialized machinery. The work involves transporting equipment, assisting with recovery operations, and performing equipment setup, maintenance, cleaning, and inspections. This is a full-time, year-round role with travel up to 50% and participation in a 24/7 emergency response operation. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, with a 24/7 on-call rotation and overtime available during emergency response operations. The role offers $26.84–$28.52 per hour, weekly pay, company-paid benefits, paid training, and career advancement opportunities.
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 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.
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.
Benefits
- $26.84–$28.52 per hour
- Overtime opportunities
- Weekly pay
- Company-paid benefits
- Paid training
- Career advancement opportunities
- Full-time, year-round employment
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
