CDL-A Equipment Operator – Railroad Operations

CDL-A Driver/Operator (Rerail)
Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour; higher pay available depending on experience
Position Summary
We are seeking a Class A CDL Driver/Operator to support railroad derailment response and related operations in the Kansas City region.
This role involves much more than driving. You will transport and operate equipment, assist with rerailing and track-related work, perform minor equipment repairs, and support emergency response operations. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the job.
The position requires someone who is comfortable with a 24/7 on-call schedule and can respond quickly to emergency derailment calls.

Key Responsibilities

- Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

- Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites, inspect transported loads and machinery, and verify permits for oversized or overweight loads.

- Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings to coordinate assignments and maintain safe, efficient operations.

- Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for railroad recovery, load transfer, and track construction or repair.

- Assist with the setup, assembly, inspection, disassembly, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.

- Support derailment recovery by connecting and handling rigging equipment, including chains, cables, and winches.

- Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and other machinery when qualified.

- Assist with track maintenance, track repairs, new track construction, grading, specialty lifting, railcar repairs, and load adjustment or transfer activities.

- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools to complete assigned work.

- Perform basic equipment and vehicle maintenance, including minor mechanical repairs and routine preventive maintenance, and document completed service.

- Monitor equipment condition and readiness, reporting complex mechanical problems to the Shop Manager or Foreman.

- Secure and reload equipment and materials after assignments, clean job sites, restock supplies, and organize tools and scrap materials at the home base.

- Maintain clean, orderly vehicles, equipment, and work areas while following all required safety procedures.

- Assist other departments or field teams when necessary to meet operational needs.

Required Qualifications

- Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.

- Experience in construction labor, field operations, or a similar physically demanding role.

- Basic mechanical skills, including oil changes and minor equipment repairs while in the field.

- Ability to operate heavy equipment safely when qualified and assist with physically demanding field assignments.

- Willingness to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs.

- Availability for 24/7 emergency response, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

- Ability to work extended hours, respond to last-minute assignments, and travel as required.

- Commitment to workplace safety and compliance with applicable DOT regulations and company procedures.

Preferred Experience and Skills

- Three or more years of heavy equipment operating experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

- Experience operating backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.

- Experience operating equipment with a manual transmission.

- Familiarity with railroad recovery, track work, construction equipment, or similar field operations.

Work Schedule and Compensation

- 40 hours guaranteed per week.

- Typical workweeks average 60+ hours and may reach 70 hours, depending on operational demands.

- Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked outside the Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. schedule, according to the applicable overtime policy.

- Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.

- Work schedules are unpredictable due to emergency railroad response assignments.

Pre-Employment Requirements

- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.

- Completion of required training and qualification testing.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

- Competitive hourly pay with potential for higher compensation based on experience.

- Guaranteed weekly hours with opportunities for substantial overtime.

- Hands-on experience with specialized railroad recovery and construction equipment.

- Opportunities to develop skills across railroad recovery, track maintenance, load transfer, and related field operations.

- Full-time employment with benefits.