CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator

Railroad Heavy Equipment Operator – CDL-A
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
Seeking a Class A CDL Heavy Equipment Operator for railroad recovery, construction, transportation, and field work. This hands-on role combines CDL driving, heavy equipment operation, rigging, material handling, and railroad maintenance.
24/7 emergency availability is required, including weekends and holidays.

Key Responsibilities

- Inspect trucks, trailers, and equipment before and after use in accordance with company procedures and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

- Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and check transported machinery, loads, and required permits for oversized or overweight equipment.

- Participate in daily job planning and safety briefings before beginning work.

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

- Assist with rerailing operations, railcar maintenance and repair, load adjustment, and track maintenance or new track construction.

- Help assemble, inspect, operate, dismantle, and secure cranes and other heavy equipment.

- Perform rigging tasks using chains, cables, and winches during railroad recovery work.

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

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

- Perform basic equipment servicing and minor mechanical repairs, including oil changes, and document maintenance activities.

- Monitor vehicles and machinery to ensure safe operation and minimize downtime. Refer complex repairs to the Shop Manager or Foreman.

- Reload and secure equipment after assignments, clean work sites, replenish vehicle supplies, and organize parts, tools, and scrap materials.

- Complete preventive maintenance and safety training during downtime between emergency assignments.

- Maintain clean, orderly work areas and follow all safety policies and operating procedures.

- Assist other field teams and departments as operational needs require.

Required Qualifications

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

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

- Basic mechanical skills for minor field repairs and equipment servicing.

- Ability to operate a variety of standard construction equipment safely when qualified.

- Willingness to perform physical labor and work outdoors in varying conditions.

- Ability to follow DOT regulations, safety procedures, and equipment operating requirements.

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

- Willingness to travel locally and out of the area for emergency assignments.

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

Preferred Skills and Experience

- 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, load adjustment, track work, construction, or equipment maintenance.

Schedule and Compensation

- 40 hours guaranteed weekly, with significant overtime opportunities.

- Average workweeks of 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching 70 hours depending on emergency response needs.

- Hours worked outside the Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule are paid at the applicable overtime rate of time and a half, subject to the employer's overtime policy and applicable law.

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

- The position requires ongoing emergency availability and flexibility to respond to assignments with little notice.

Benefits

- Full-time employment with benefits.

- Opportunities to develop skills in heavy equipment operation, railroad recovery, track maintenance, and load transfer.

- Equipment maintenance and safety training during periods between field assignments.

Pre-Employment Requirements

- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.

- Successful completion of a background check.

Interview Requirement

- Bring steel-toed boots to the interview.