CDL-A Equipment Operator – Railroad Operations
qualdoc · Kansas City, MO · onsite
CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery
Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour; higher depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly, with significant overtime. Average workweeks are 60+ hours and may reach 70 hours.
Availability: On-call 24/7, including weekends and holidays
Job Overview
We are hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad recovery, derailment response, track repair, and equipment transport. This hands-on position combines heavy equipment operation, mechanical work, and physical labor. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the job; most time is spent operating equipment, assisting field crews, and maintaining readiness for emergency assignments.
Employees receive cross-training in rerailing, track maintenance, and load adjustment. During downtime, duties include safety training and preventive maintenance (PM) on equipment.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Starting pay of $26.00 per hour, with higher pay possible based on experience
- Guaranteed 40 hours per week
- Overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for eligible hours outside the standard Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. schedule
- Per diem for eligible assignments
- Hotel accommodations or hotel pay for work-related travel
- Layover pay when applicable
- Benefits package available
Key Responsibilities:
- Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations.
- Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites, inspect loads, and verify permits for oversized or overweight equipment.
- Operate heavy machinery, when qualified, to support railroad recovery, rerailing, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance and repair, grading, and railroad construction.
- Assist with derailment recovery by assembling equipment, rigging chains, cables, and winches, and supporting crane operations.
- Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials before and after field assignments.
- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed.
- Perform basic equipment servicing and minor mechanical repairs, including routine maintenance, and report more complex issues to the appropriate supervisor.
- Monitor equipment condition and readiness to minimize downtime.
- Participate in safety briefings, required training, site cleanup, and equipment inspections.
- Maintain organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
- Assist other operational teams as needed to support field assignments and business requirements.
- During periods between emergency calls, employees may assist with equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, safety training, and shop activities.
Required Qualifications:
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A)
- Good driving record
- Experience in construction, equipment operation, or a similar hands-on role involving physical labor
- Basic mechanical aptitude and the ability to perform minor equipment repairs and routine maintenance
- Ability to operate heavy equipment safely when qualified
- Willingness to work long hours and respond to emergency calls on a 24/7 basis, including weekends and holidays
- Ability to complete required qualification tests, safety training, and other job-related assessments
- Commitment to following safety procedures and maintaining a safe work 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; equivalent training and experience will also be considered.
- Experience operating equipment with a manual transmission
- Experience in railroad operations, construction, equipment transportation, or emergency field response
Pre-Employment Requirements:
- Pre-employment drug screening
- Background check
- Interview Reminder: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.