Heavy Equipment Operator
Northern Plains Railroad & Rail Services
Sales & Business Development
Grand Forks, ND, USA
Posted on Mar 25, 2026
Summary
We are seeking a reliable and safety-focused Heavy Equipment Operator to support construction and maintenance projects through the skilled operation of heavy machinery. This role is responsible for performing excavation, grading, loading, and material handling tasks while maintaining equipment, following safety standards, and working efficiently in a team-oriented, outdoor environment. Flexibility, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic are essential for success in this position.
Responsibilities
- Operate heavy equipment safely and efficiently for excavation, grading, loading, and material handling
- Perform daily inspections and routine maintenance on assigned equipment
- Maintain accurate logbook records.
- Follow all safety procedures, company policies, and project requirements
Requirements
- Minimum of 1 year of experience operating heavy construction equipment
- Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physical labor
- Willingness to work overtime and travel as required
Skills
Strong equipment operation skills combined with a solid understanding of safety practices and job-site awareness. Ability to work independently or as part of a team, follow instructions, and adapt to changing work conditions. Mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are essential, along with dependability and a commitment to quality work.
Interested? See full job description below.
Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator
Company: Northern Plains Services, Inc.
Business Unit: Complete Track Works
Department: Excavation
Schedule: 7:00am – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, (days may vary).
Travel: Regional 25 %, Production 80+ %, required OT
Compensation: $32.00 DOE
The estimated annual compensation for this position is $72,000-$80,000, based on 2025 compensation data. This range includes hourly wages, overtime earnings, non-taxable per diem, paid time off, and holiday pay. Actual compensation may vary based on qualifications, experience, location, and overnight travel.
Summary:
The Heavy Equipment Operator safely and efficiently operates heavy construction equipment to perform tasks such as excavation, grading, loading, and material handling in support of construction and maintenance projects.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:
- 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.
- 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.
- All other duties as assigned.
Competencies:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Must possess and maintain a health card.
- Experience operating a variety of heavy equipment.
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 materials.
Education and Training:
- GED or higher
- At least 1 years’ experience of heavy equipment operation
- Valid Drivers License. Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPRS 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).
