CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator
Qualdoc · Kansas City, MO · onsite
CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator / Laborer
Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay depending on experience
Job Overview
We are hiring Class A CDL drivers for a hands-on field position supporting equipment transportation, heavy machinery operations, industrial maintenance, and emergency infrastructure projects. This role combines commercial driving, equipment operation, and physical labor. Driving accounts for approximately 10% of the job.
Schedule & Compensation:
- 40 hours guaranteed per week
- Average of 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching 70 hours
- On-call availability 24/7, including weekends and holidays
- Overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Per diem for qualifying assignments
- Hotel and layover pay for eligible travel assignments
- Full-time benefits package
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in compliance with company policies and DOT regulations.
- Operate tractor-trailers to transport machinery, materials, and equipment to and from job sites.
- Inspect transported loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight equipment.
- Participate in daily safety briefings and coordinate with team members to complete assignments efficiently.
- Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials for field operations.
- Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, excavators, grapple trucks, dump trucks, bulldozers, front-end loaders, and skid steers, when qualified.
- Assist with specialized lifting, equipment positioning, material transfers, grading, and construction-related activities.
- Support equipment recovery, railroad maintenance, and other field operations as required.
- Use rigging equipment, including chains, cables, and winches, to assist with lifting and equipment handling.
- Work with hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and standard hand tools.
- Perform basic equipment maintenance and minor repairs, including routine service tasks such as oil changes.
- Monitor equipment condition, identify mechanical issues, and report major repairs to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
- Assist with equipment assembly, disassembly, loading, and transportation at the completion of assignments.
- Clean, organize, and restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, tools, and supplies.
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment while following all safety procedures.
- Assist other departments and perform additional duties as needed.
Required Qualifications:
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
- Experience in construction, industrial labor, or another physically demanding role.
- Ability to operate heavy equipment and perform hands-on fieldwork.
- Basic mechanical knowledge and the ability to perform minor equipment repairs.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond quickly to emergency assignments.
- Availability to work an on-call schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Ability to complete required safety training and qualification testing.
- Ability to work extended hours and travel for assignments as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment.
- Experience with backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
- Experience operating equipment with a manual transmission.
- Strong mechanical skills and experience performing basic equipment maintenance.
- Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
- Pre-employment drug screening
- Background check
Additional Information:
- Employees are expected to remain available for emergency field assignments throughout the year. When fieldwork is limited, team members assist with equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, safety training, and shop activities.
- Interview Requirement: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.