CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Rail Response

CDL-A Driver/Operator (Rerail)
Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Direct Hire
Pay: Starting at $26.00/hour; higher depending on experience
Schedule: Full-time | 24/7 On-Call
Benefits: Full benefits, per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable
About the Role
We are seeking a Class A CDL Driver/Operator to support emergency train derailment response and rerailing operations. While driving is only about 10% of the role, you will also operate heavy equipment, assist with rerailing and load transfer activities, perform maintenance, and support track-related work.
This is an on-call position requiring availability 24/7, including weekends and holidays. The average workweek is approximately 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching 70 hours.

What You'll Do

- Respond to railroad derailments and other emergency service calls.

- Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites using tractor-trailers and other vehicles.

- Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections in accordance with DOT requirements and company procedures.

- Inspect transported equipment and loads and verify permits for overweight or oversized equipment.

- Participate in daily safety meetings and review work plans before beginning assignments.

- Load, unload, stage, secure, and transport equipment and materials.

- Assist with rerailing operations, load adjustment/transfer, track maintenance, repairs, new track construction, and related railroad work.

- Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, bulldozers, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders when qualified.

- Assist with crane assembly, equipment inspections, rigging, and connecting chains, cables, and winches.

- Use hydraulic tools, welding and cutting equipment, electrical tools, and common hand tools .

- Perform basic equipment and vehicle service and minor mechanical repairs; more complex issues are referred to the appropriate shop personnel.

- Monitor equipment and vehicles to maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.

- Help disassemble, load, and secure cranes and other equipment following job completion.

- Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, supplies, and components when returning to the home location.

- Maintain clean, organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.

- Follow all required safety procedures and assist other departments or work crews as needed.

Requirements

- Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.

- Basic mechanical skills for minor equipment maintenance and repairs.

- Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or another physically demanding labor environment.

- Ability to safely operate equipment and work around heavy machinery.

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

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

- Must be comfortable working extended hours and traveling as needed.

Preferred Experience

- 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience , including one or more of the following:

Backhoe

- Bulldozer

- Excavator

- Front-end loader

- Grapple truck

- Rail-bound equipment

- Tractor

- Skid-steer loader

- Experience with manual-transmission equipment is strongly preferred.

- Experience with railroad, construction, rerailing, track maintenance, load adjustment, or similar field operations is a plus.

Schedule & Compensation

- 40 hours guaranteed per week

- Regularly scheduled overtime; typical workweeks average 60+ hours , with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.

- Hours worked outside of Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at the overtime rate of time and a half .

- 24/7 on-call emergency response , including weekends and holidays.

- Per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.

- Full benefits package.

Work Environment

This position involves physical, hands-on work at railroad and construction sites. Employees may work around heavy machinery, cranes, vehicles, tools, and other equipment in varying weather and field conditions.

Team members may be cross-trained in rerailing, track maintenance, and load adjustment/transfer operations , allowing them to support different types of field assignments.

Pre-Employment Requirements

- Drug screening

- Background check

- Required qualification and safety testing

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