CDL-A Track Equipment Operator

Railroad Track Equipment Operator – CDL-A
Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Availability: 24/7 emergency on-call
Benefits: Full-time benefits
Position Overview
Hiring a Class A CDL Track Equipment Operator to support railroad track maintenance, emergency recovery, construction, and field operations. Driving is only a small part of this role. Most of the work involves heavy equipment operation, track work, material handling, and physical labor.
This position requires flexibility for emergency assignments and the ability to work extended hours.

Key Responsibilities

- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT regulations and company procedures.

- Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and inspect transported equipment and loads.

- Verify transportation permits and load specifications for oversized and overweight equipment.

- Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for track maintenance, repairs, new construction, rerailing, and load-transfer activities.

- Assist with railroad track repair, maintenance, grading, new track construction, and emergency derailment response.

- 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.

- Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, disassembly, and loading.

- Perform rigging tasks using chains, cables, and winches.

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

- Monitor vehicles and equipment to maintain safe operating condition and minimize downtime.

- Perform and document basic equipment and vehicle maintenance, including oil changes and minor repairs. Report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate supervisor.

- Participate in daily work planning, safety briefings, equipment inspections, and required safety training.

- Clean job sites and maintain vehicles, tools, equipment, and work areas.

- Restock vehicles and equipment, organize supplies, and sort scrap materials after assignments.

- Assist other work groups as needed and follow all safety policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications

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

- Basic mechanical skills, including oil changes and minor equipment repairs.

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

- Ability to perform hands-on physical work in outdoor and job-site environments.

- Ability to safely operate standard construction equipment when qualified.

- Willingness to travel for local and out-of-area assignments.

- Ability to respond to emergency calls at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

- Railroad industry experience, especially track maintenance, track repair, or railroad construction.

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

- Experience with manual-transmission vehicles or equipment.

- Basic mechanical troubleshooting and equipment maintenance skills.

Schedule and Compensation

- 40 hours guaranteed per week.

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

- Significant overtime is available. Hours outside the regular Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. schedule are paid at the applicable overtime rate, subject to company policy and applicable law.

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

- Employees must remain available for emergency assignments throughout the year.

Pre-Employment Requirements

- Pre-employment drug screening.

- Background check.

Interview Reminder: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.