Heavy Equipment Operator/Hauler
Northern Plains Railroad & Rail Services
Grand Forks, ND, USA
Posted on Nov 6, 2025
About the Role:
The Heavy Equipment Operator/Hauler plays a critical role in the safe and efficient transportation and operation of heavy machinery within construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects. This position requires the operator to skillfully maneuver and operate various types of heavy equipment, including excavators, bulldozers, and loaders, ensuring that all tasks are completed according to project specifications and safety standards. Additionally, the hauler component involves the secure and timely transport of heavy equipment to and from job sites, requiring expertise in load securing and route planning. The role demands a strong commitment to safety, precision, and teamwork to support project timelines and maintain equipment integrity. Ultimately, the Heavy Equipment Operator/Hauler contributes significantly to the successful execution of large-scale projects by combining technical operation skills with logistical transportation capabilities.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Valid class A CDL Drivers License required.
- Must be able to meet company insurability requirements.
- At least 1 year experience of driving truck.
- Knowledge of safety regulations related to heavy equipment operation and transportation.
- Ability to perform routine equipment inspections and basic maintenance.
- Familiarity with DOT regulations and experience in route planning for oversized loads.
Responsibilities:
- Operate heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and cranes safely and efficiently to complete construction and earthmoving tasks.
- Transport heavy equipment to and from job sites using appropriate hauling vehicles, ensuring all loads are properly secured and comply with transportation regulations.
- Conduct pre-operation inspections and routine maintenance on equipment to identify and address any mechanical issues promptly.
- Collaborate with site supervisors and team members to coordinate equipment usage and transportation schedules to optimize workflow.
- Adhere strictly to all safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment and compliance with OSHA and DOT regulations.
Skills:
The required skills enable the operator to handle complex machinery with precision, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and safely. Proficiency in vehicle operation and load securing techniques is essential for the hauler responsibilities, minimizing risks during transport. Communication and teamwork skills facilitate coordination with site personnel and logistics teams to maintain smooth project progress. Problem-solving abilities are used daily to address mechanical issues or logistical challenges that arise. Preferred skills such as certification and familiarity with advanced navigation tools enhance operational effectiveness and compliance with regulatory standards.
For more information, please see full job description below.
Company: Northern Plains Services, Inc.
Business Unit: Complete Track Works
Department: Shop/transportation
Schedule: 7:00am – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, (days may vary).
Travel: Regional 25 %, Production 80+ %, required OT
Summary:
The Heavy Equipment Hauler loads, secures, drives, and unloads heavy equipment tractor-trailer rig to deliver and pick up equipment and components at customer locations, Company facilities, and suppliers.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:
- Maintains Class A driver's license, acceptable driving record and current medical card.
- Properly utilizes company vehicle; operates in compliance with DMV rules and regulations.
- Participates in U.S. Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing program.
- Performs basic safety and operational vehicle inspections before and after each trip.
- Performs daily / routine maintenance and / or mechanical repairs of assigned truck as skill and time allows.
- Operates a variety of equipment to move them on, properly secure, and remove from the trailer at destination.
- Demonstrate basic equipment operation to customers as required.
- Uses material handling equipment (loader, skid steer, forklift, etc.) to load and unload vehicle.
- Uses road maps for efficient and timely transportation.
- Maintains proper permits, bills of lading, invoices and other forms to account for pick up and deliveries.
- Maintains accurate logbook records.
- Works flexible schedule in order to meet the needs of the Company and the customer.
- Assist in the restoration, renewal, maintenance, and new construction of track structures as needed. Ability to travel. Overtime.
- Will perform work on Northern Plains Railroad as directed.
Competencies:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Must possess and maintain a current Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL). Health card required.
- Able to operate heavy equipment or possess comprehensive skills to learn.
Physical Demands:
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform on uneven or slippery surfaces, platforms, ladders, equipment in all weather and temperature conditions. Most of the day could be spent on feet standing. Eye/hand coordination, hand/feet dexterity and grasping hand tools, materials & equipment is required. The employee is frequently required to perform manual labor & physical activities that require considerable use of the whole body, such as standing and lifting from various levels.
- Additional physical demands are listed in the chart below.
- May require travel to various facilities and provide additional services.
Environmental:
- Continuous: Must wear appropriate safety equipment such as safety glasses, hard hats, safety footwear, and hearing protection as required by the company. Exposed to noise.
- Frequent: Exposure to smoke, dust, fumes, odors, grease, oil, works outdoors in hot and cold temperatures and in all extreme weather conditions, works outside, vibration, works with moving machinery, works at heights.
- Occasional: Exposure to electrical hazards, works in cramped quarters, works inside, exposed to chemicals, stand on concrete, shift work, walks on uneven or slippery surface, wet conditions, works with others & alone, paperwork.
- Rare: Works with toxic material.
Education and Training:
- GED or higher
- At least 1 years’ experience driving truck.
- Valid Class A CDL Driver's License required
- Six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPR driver provisions.
Requirements of Joining Our Team:
Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to:
1. Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment.
2. Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.
3. Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.
4. Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position.
We value transparency and the safety of our employees and customers, and these steps are essential in upholding our commitment to excellence.
LIFT 2 - Physical Demands Checklist
* Never (N) = Not at all * Rarely (R) = 1-5% * Occasionally (O) = 6-33% * Frequently (F) = 34-66% * Continuously (C) = 67-100%
TASKS | N 0% | R 1-5% | O 6-33% | F 34-66% | C 67-100% | Essential | Comments |
Sitting |
|
| X |
|
|
|
|
Standing |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Walking Distance: 600 ft |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Bending/Stooping: 2 min |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Sitting while twisting & reaching above shoulder level |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Crawling 10 ft |
| X |
|
|
|
|
|
Squatting: 10 reps |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Climbing Stairs: YMCA Step Test |
|
| X |
|
| X | NOT Pass or Fail |
Climbing Ladder: 30 rungs |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Balancing CTSIB-M test |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Reaching- Forward |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Reaching- Overhead arm’s length |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Reaching Low Level |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Static Push/Pull: Static push force 50# at shoulder level |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
TASKS continued | N 0% | R 1-5% | O 6-33% | F 34-66% | C 67-100% | Essential | Comments |
Push/Pull: 90# force at waist level, simulate throw a switch |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Shoveling |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Grip Strength min. 50# |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Gross & Fine coordination |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Lift / Carry |
|
|
|
|
|
| Floor to Waist & Bilateral Carry |
<10# |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
11-24 # |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
25-34 # |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
35-50 # |
| X |
|
|
| X |
|
Lift 50 # Waist to Crown |
| X |
|
|
| X |
|
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Working around moving machinery, parts & equipment |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Working outside & extreme weather conditions |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Exposure to heat /humidity |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Exposure to cold |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Using power equipment |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Slippery surfaces |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Noise |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Works with others, alone, paperwork |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Dust, Smoke, Odors, Fumes, Grease, Oil |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Hearing |
|
|
|
| X | X | Hearing acuity-MEC/Medical Examiner's Certificate DOT vs FRA-DOT vs OSHA |
Speech |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Vision |
|
|
|
| X | X | Vision acuity-MEC/Medical Examiner's Certificate DOT vs FRA-DOT vs Standard |
Standard Vision |
|
|
|
| X | X | Standard Vision-Snellen/Ishihara/Perimetry |
Works at heights |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Electrical hazards |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Uneven surfaces |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Inhalation Exposure |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Cramped quarters |
| X |
|
|
| X |
|
TASKS continued | N 0% | R 1-5% | O 6-33% | F 34-66% | C 67-100% | Essential | Comments |
Hazardous Material |
| X |
|
|
| X |
|
Chemical Exposure |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Vibration |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned. This Job Description may change at any time declared by Management.
NPRS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation. NPRS is a tradename used by Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR), Northern Plains Services, Inc. (NPS), and All Rail, Inc. (All Rail).
