Railroad Track Equipment Operator – CDL-A

CDL A Railroad & Heavy Equipment Operator
Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour — higher pay may be available depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Availability: 24/7 emergency on-call
Benefits: Full-time benefits
Position Overview
Hiring Class A CDL professionals for hands-on railroad field work involving train derailment recovery, track work, heavy equipment operation, and material handling.
Driving is approximately 10% of the role. Most of the work involves operating construction equipment, physical field work, equipment handling, and supporting railroad recovery operations.
This position requires 24/7 emergency availability, including weekends and holidays. Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.

Responsibilities

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

- Transport equipment, materials, and machinery to and from job sites.

- Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight transportation.

- Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.

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

- Perform and assist with track maintenance, track repair, new construction, grading, and railroad recovery operations .

- Assist with crane setup, inspection, operation, breakdown, and transportation.

- Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches .

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

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

- Perform basic field repairs and minor equipment maintenance, including oil changes .

- Monitor equipment and vehicles to help maintain safe and reliable operation.

- Complete maintenance documentation and report larger mechanical issues for further repair.

- Secure and reload equipment following assignments.

- Restock parts, supplies, and components as needed.

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

- Assist other crews or departments when needed.

- Follow all safety requirements and work practices.

Requirements

- Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.

- Basic mechanical skills for minor roadside equipment repairs.

- Construction, heavy equipment, or physically demanding field-work experience.

- Ability to safely operate heavy equipment.

- Strong preference for candidates with manual-transmission equipment experience .

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

- Comfortable working in physically demanding field conditions.

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

- Ability to work extended hours and unpredictable schedules.

Preferred Experience

- 3+ years of heavy equipment operation , including experience with:

Backhoes

- Bulldozers

- Excavators

- Front-end loaders

- Grapple trucks

- Rail-bound equipment

- Tractors

- Skid-steer loaders

- Railroad track maintenance, repair, construction, or recovery experience is a plus.

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

Hours & Additional Compensation

- 40 hours guaranteed per week.

- Typical workweeks average 60+ hours , with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.

- Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime .

- Per diem, hotel expenses for required 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: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots.