Job Description

Railroad Heavy Equipment Operator – CDL-A

Location: West Chicago, IL

Job Type: Direct Hire

Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience

Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime

Travel: Local and out-of-area emergency assignments

Benefits: Full-time position with benefits

Position Overview

Seeking a Class A CDL Heavy Equipment Operator for railroad recovery, construction, transportation, and field work. This hands-on role combines CDL driving, heavy equipment operation, rigging, material handling, and railroad maintenance.

24/7 emergency availability is required, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

Equipment Experience

Experience with any of the following is preferred:

Cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or physically demanding field work.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment.
• Ability to complete required training, qualification testing, and safety programs.
• Comfortable working extended hours and responding to emergency situations.
• Able to perform physically demanding work in field conditions.
• Available for 24/7 emergency calls, weekends, and holidays.

Hours & Additional Pay

• 40 hours guaranteed each week.
• Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some reaching approximately 70 hours.
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime.
• Per diem, hotel expenses for required travel, and layover pay may be available when applicable.
• Local and out-of-area emergency assignments may be required.

Pre-Employment Requirements