Apprentice Operator I

Hulcher Services Inc•Pasco, WA

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 trains alongside experienced operators to learn how to safely recover derailed railcars and locomotives using cranes, hydraulic equipment, and other specialized machinery. The role involves transporting heavy equipment, assisting with emergency railroad operations, and performing physically demanding field work. The position is full-time and year-round, with travel of up to 50% throughout an assigned territory. It supports 24/7 emergency response operations, including an on-call rotation. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, with overtime available during emergency response operations. The stated pay range is $26.84–$28.52 per hour. Hulcher Services describes itself as a nationwide railroad derailment response, engineering, track maintenance, environmental services, and disaster recovery company with more than 500 employees and over 25 divisions across 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 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.