Heavy Equipment Operator/Hauler
Northern Plains Railroad & Rail Services
Grand Forks, ND, USA
Posted on Apr 1, 2026
Summary
We are seeking a dependable and safety‑focused Heavy Equipment Operator / Hauler to support construction, track maintenance, and transportation operations. This role is responsible for hauling, loading, securing, and unloading heavy equipment using a tractor‑trailer rig, as well as safely operating various types of heavy machinery at job sites and customer locations. The ideal candidate is flexible, detail‑oriented, and committed to safety and teamwork in a hands‑on, outdoor environment with frequent travel and overtime.
Responsibilities
- Safely load, secure, transport, and unload heavy equipment using a tractor‑trailer and material‑handling equipment
- Operate heavy equipment and support track construction, maintenance, and restoration projects as needed
- Perform pre‑ and post‑trip inspections, basic maintenance, and maintain accurate logbooks and delivery documentation
- Follow all DOT regulations, safety procedures, and company policies while working flexible hours, including travel and overtime
Requirements
- Valid Class A CDL with an insurable driving record and current medical card
- Minimum 1 year of experience driving truck and operating heavy equipment
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform physically demanding work
Skills
Strong equipment operation and hauling skills combined with a solid understanding of safety practices and regulatory compliance. Ability to work independently or as part of a team, follow instructions, and adapt to changing job‑site conditions. Mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, effective communication, and dependability are essential for success in this role.
Interested? 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.
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).
