Apprentice Operator I

Hulcher Services Inc•Lincoln, NE

5d•$27 - $29

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 safe recovery of derailed railcars and locomotives using cranes, hydraulic equipment, and other specialized machinery. The role involves transporting equipment, assisting with recovery operations, equipment maintenance and inspections, and physically demanding work in varied outdoor and industrial environments. It requires travel of up to 50% and participation in a 24/7 emergency-response on-call rotation. The stated standard schedule is eight hours per day, Monday through Friday, with on-call availability at other times; the posting also describes work Monday through Sunday when on the job or at the division. The role is full-time and year-round. Compensation is $26.84–$28.52 per hour, with overtime opportunities, weekly pay, company-paid benefits, paid training, and career advancement opportunities.

Requirements

Valid, unrestricted Class A CDL.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
Willingness and ability to work in a 24/7 emergency-response environment and participate in on-call rotation.
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.
Ability to conduct equipment maintenance inspections.

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 tasks, 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.
Maintain availability for on-call emergency derailment response.