Railroad Rerail Equipment Operator – CDL-A

Qualdoc•Minneapolis, MN

About The Position

The Railroad Rerail Equipment Operator supports railroad emergency response and rerailing operations. This hands-on position combines heavy equipment operation, CDL driving, equipment maintenance, and physical job-site work; driving is approximately 10% of the role. The operator responds to train derailments and assists with rerailing, load transfer, and railroad track repair or construction. The position is full-time and direct hire, with 40 hours guaranteed weekly and significant overtime. Typical weeks average 60 or more hours, and some weeks reach approximately 70 hours. Work outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM is paid at 1.5 times the regular rate. The position requires 24/7 emergency on-call availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Starting pay is $26.00 per hour, with higher pay available depending on experience. Per diem, hotel pay for qualifying travel, and layover pay may be available. Full-time benefits are offered.

Requirements

Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
Experience in construction, industrial work, or another physically demanding labor environment.
Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
Comfortable responding to emergency calls at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to perform physical job-site work and work safely around heavy equipment.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
Equivalent combinations of training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Respond to train derailments and assist with rerailing, load transfer, and railroad track repair or construction.
Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.
Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites and inspect loads, permits, trucks, trailers, and machinery.
Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections in accordance with DOT requirements.
Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, disassembly, and loading.
Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches during derailment operations.
Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials at job sites.
Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
Perform minor equipment and vehicle service and basic maintenance, and report more complex repairs.
Participate in job-site safety meetings and daily work planning.
Monitor equipment to help maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.
Clean and organize vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
Restock equipment and vehicles with required parts, supplies, and components after assignments.
Sort and properly store scrap materials.
Assist other departments or crews as needed.