Apprentice Operator I at Hulcher Services in CHICAGO, IL

CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice I

$26.84 - $28.52/Hour + Overtime | Company Paid Benefits | Paid Training | Build a Career in Railroad Emergency Response

Full-Time |Travel Up to 50% | 24/7 Emergency Response Operations

Turn Your CDL Into a Career

Hulcher Services is looking for motivated individuals with a Class A CDL who are ready to build a career operating specialized heavy equipment used in railroad derailment response and recovery.

This isn't a typical driving job. You'll receive hands-on training while working alongside experienced operators to learn how to safely recover derailed railcars and locomotives using cranes, hydraulic equipment, and other specialized machinery.

If you enjoy challenging work, operating equipment, traveling, and being part of a team that responds when others can't, this is an opportunity unlike any other.

Compensation & Benefits

• $26.84 - $28.52 Per Hour
• Overtime Opportunities
• Weekly Pay
• Company paid benefits
• Paid Training
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Full-Time, Year-Round Employment

About Hulcher Services

Hulcher Services is a nationwide leader in railroad derailment response, engineering, track maintenance, environmental services, and disaster recovery. With more than 500 employees operating from over 25 divisions throughout the United States and Mexico, we respond to critical incidents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Our teams help restore rail service safely and efficiently using specialized equipment and highly trained personnel.

What You'll Do

As a CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice I, you'll train alongside experienced crews while supporting emergency railroad operations throughout your assigned region.

Responsibilities include:

• 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 all company safety procedures and operational standards.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for dependable individuals who enjoy hands-on work and are ready to build a long-term career in heavy equipment and railroad operations.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with no restrictions
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to travel up to 50%
• Willingness to work in a 24/7 emergency response environment
• 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

Experience in any of the following is a plus:

• Heavy Equipment Operation
• Construction
• Truck Driving
• Rigging
• Railroad
• Crane Operations
• Welding
• Diesel Mechanics
• Oil & Gas
• Utilities
• Military
• Agriculture
• Work Schedule

This position supports emergency railroad operations, which means flexibility is essential.

• Standard work schedule Monday through Friday
• 24/7 on-call rotation for emergency derailment response
• Travel required throughout the assigned territory
• Overtime available during emergency response operations

Why Join Hulcher Services?

Few careers offer the opportunity to operate specialized heavy equipment while helping restore critical railroad infrastructure across North America.

At Hulcher Services, you'll receive hands-on training, work alongside experienced professionals, earn excellent company paid benefits, and build a career in a unique industry where your skills make an immediate impact.

If you're looking for more than just another CDL driving job and want a career with challenge, stability, and advancement opportunities, apply today and become part of the Hulcher Services team.hat You Bring:

• Must have a valid Class A CDL with NO restrictions.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Ability to work on-call 24/7 365 days a year in an emergency response environment.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
• Ability to conduct maintenance inspections on equipment.

Work Schedule:

• Monday through Sunday on the job or possibly at division.
• On call for 24 hours for derailments requiring immediate response.
• 8-hours/day Monday through Friday; on call at other times for derailments requiring immediate response.
• The Response Team is to be available at all times and all hours of the day.