About this role
CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Rail Response
Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Pay: Starting at $26.00/hour; higher depending on experience
Schedule: 24/7 On-Call | 40 hours guaranteed
Benefits: Full benefits, per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable
Position Overview
We are hiring Class A CDL drivers to join a specialized rail response team supporting train derailment recovery and railroad maintenance.
This is more than a driving position. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the job. Team members operate heavy equipment, assist with rerailing and track work, handle materials, perform equipment maintenance, and provide hands-on support at emergency job sites.
The role requires someone who is comfortable with an unpredictable 24/7 on-call schedule, physical work, and responding quickly when emergency service is needed.
Responsibilities
- Drive tractor-trailers to transport equipment and materials to and from job sites; complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations.
- Inspect loads, verify transportation permits, and confirm requirements for oversized and overweight equipment.
- Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, skid steers, and rail-bound equipment, as qualified.
- Assist with railroad rerailing, load adjustment and transfer, railroad car maintenance, track repairs, grading, and railroad construction.
- Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials at job sites.
- Assist with crane assembly, inspections, rigging, and the use of chains, cables, and winches during recovery operations.
- Use hydraulic tools, welding and cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools to complete field assignments.
- Perform basic mechanical maintenance, including minor roadside repairs and routine preventive maintenance; report more complex issues to the shop manager or foreman.
- Participate in job briefings and safety meetings, follow work plans, and maintain awareness of coworkers and surrounding equipment.
- Clean job sites, organize tools, restock vehicles and equipment, and prepare supplies for future assignments.
- Support other departments as needed and maintain safe, clean, and operational equipment.
Required Qualifications
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) and a good driving record.
- Basic mechanical skills, including the ability to perform minor repairs such as an oil change.
- Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding role.
- Ability to operate standard construction equipment and perform hands-on fieldwork.
- Availability for emergency callouts at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs.
- Commitment to safe work practices in a demanding industrial environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Three or more years of experience operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
- Experience driving equipment with a manual transmission.
- Previous experience in railroad operations, construction, equipment maintenance, or emergency field response.
Compensation and Benefits
- 40 hours of work guaranteed each week, with substantial overtime opportunities.
- Hours worked outside the regular Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule are paid at the applicable overtime rate of time-and-a-half.
- Per diem, hotel accommodations or hotel pay for qualifying travel, and layover pay when applicable.
- Benefits package available through direct hire.
Employment Requirements
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
- Steel-toed boots are required for the interview.
- Must be able to work in an emergency-response environment where assignments and schedules can change with little notice.