CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

CDL-A Equipment Operator
Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour — higher pay may be available depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Travel: Local and out-of-area emergency assignments
Benefits: Full-time position with benefits
Position Overview
We are looking for a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and construction-related projects. This position combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, and hands-on field work.
Driving is only a portion of the job. When not responding to emergencies, employees may assist with equipment maintenance, preventive maintenance, safety training, and shop activities.
24/7 on-call availability is required, including weekends and holidays.

Primary Duties

- Complete DOT-required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.

- Drive and transport machinery, materials, and equipment to and from work locations.

- Check loads and confirm permits for oversized or overweight transportation.

- Participate in safety meetings and review job plans before starting work.

- Load, unload, position, and stage equipment and materials.

- Support railroad emergency and recovery operations, including:

Train rerailing

- Load transfers

- Track maintenance

- Track repairs

- Related construction work

- Help set up, inspect, and operate cranes and other heavy equipment.

- Perform rigging activities using chains, cables, and winches.

- Assist with equipment disassembly, transportation, and job-site cleanup.

- Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe and reliable operation.

- Perform and record minor vehicle and equipment servicing.

- Keep vehicles, tools, equipment, and work areas clean and organized.

- Maintain necessary parts, supplies, and components in vehicles and equipment.

- Follow required safety procedures and work practices.

- Provide support to other teams and departments as needed.

Equipment & Tools

Experience operating or working with the following is valuable:

- Cranes

- Backhoes

- Bulldozers

- Excavators

- Front-end loaders

- Grapple trucks

- Dump trucks

- Rail-bound equipment

- Tractors

- Skid-steer loaders

- Hydraulic tools

- Welding equipment

- Cutting torches

- Electrical tools

- Common hand tools

Qualifications

- Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.

- Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or physically demanding field work.

- Ability to safely and effectively operate heavy equipment.

- Ability to complete required training, qualification, and safety programs.

- Strong willingness to work in emergency-response conditions and extended-hour assignments.

- Ability to perform physically demanding work in the field.

- Must be available for 24/7 emergency calls, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred Experience

- 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience , including experience with backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.

- Equivalent relevant training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Hours & Additional Compensation

- 40 hours guaranteed per week.

- Typical schedules average 60+ hours per week , with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours .

- Work performed outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM is paid at the applicable 1.5x overtime rate .

- Per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay may be available when applicable.

- Local and out-of-area emergency assignments may be required.

Pre-Employment Requirements

- Drug screening

- Background check

- Required qualification and safety testing

Interview Requirement: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.