CDL-A Equipment Operator/Laborer – Rerail
Location: West Chicago, IL
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour (Higher pay available depending on experience)
Benefits: Full-time position with benefits
Position Overview
We are seeking a Class A CDL driver for a hands-on role supporting train derailment response and railroad-related operations. This position involves transporting and operating equipment, assisting with rerailing operations, track maintenance, load transfers, and other field activities.
The ideal candidate is safety-focused, mechanically inclined, physically capable, and comfortable working in an emergency-response environment.
Schedule & Compensation
40 hours guaranteed per week
Significant overtime; regular and overtime hours average 60+ hours per week
24/7 on-call availability for emergency response, including weekends and holidays
Hours outside of Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half
Per diem available
Hotel accommodations/pay for required travel
Layover pay when applicable
Job Duties
Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT regulations and safety requirements.
Safely operate tractor-trailers to and from job sites and inspect loads and equipment being transported.
Verify transportation permits and ensure overweight/oversize load specifications are accurate.
Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.
Load, unload, move, and stage materials and equipment for rerailing, load transfer, and track maintenance, repair, or construction activities.
Assist with the assembly, inspection, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.
Assist with rigging and connecting chains, cables, and winches during derailment response.
Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders, when qualified.
Perform tasks related to specialty lifting, rerailing, load transfers, grading, track maintenance/repair, and railroad construction.
Use hydraulic tools, welding and cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
Continuously monitor vehicles and equipment to maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.
Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle maintenance; report more complex mechanical issues for repair.
Assist with disassembly and loading of cranes and other equipment at the completion of assignments.
Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies.
Sort and properly dispose of scrap materials.
Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas.
Follow all required safety policies and procedures.
Perform additional tasks as needed to support business operations and customer needs.
Requirements
Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding labor role.
Ability to pass required qualification tests, training, and safety programs.
24/7 availability to respond to emergency service calls, including weekends and holidays.
Ability to safely work around heavy equipment, vehicles, tools, and railroad-related operations.
Preferred Skills & Experience
3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including experience with one or more of the following:
- Backhoe
- Bulldozer
- Excavator
- Front-end loader
- Grapple truck
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractor
- Skid-steer loader
- Equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
Pre-Employment Requirements
Pre-employment drug screen
Background check
