Apprentice Operator I

Hulcher Services Inc•Hammond, IN

4d•$27 - $29

About The Position

Hulcher Services is hiring a full-time CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice I to support railroad derailment response and recovery. The apprentice trains alongside experienced crews to learn how to safely recover derailed railcars and locomotives using cranes, hydraulic equipment, and other specialized machinery. The role transports equipment and supports emergency railroad operations across an assigned territory, with travel up to 50% and availability for 24/7 emergency response. Work includes physically demanding tasks in outdoor, industrial, and active railroad environments. Compensation is $26.84–$28.52 per hour, with overtime opportunities, 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% of the time.
Willingness and ability to work in a 24/7, 365-day emergency response environment and participate in on-call rotation.
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.
Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
Comfortable 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 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 company safety procedures and operational standards.
Conduct maintenance inspections on equipment.
Respond to derailments requiring immediate response while on call.