CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Rail Response

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Rail Response

Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Pay: Starting at $26.00/hour; higher depending on experience
Schedule: 24/7 On-Call | 40 hours guaranteed
Benefits: Full benefits, per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable

Position Overview

We are hiring Class A CDL drivers to join a specialized rail response team supporting train derailment recovery and railroad maintenance.

This is more than a driving position. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the job. Team members operate heavy equipment, assist with rerailing and track work, handle materials, perform equipment maintenance, and provide hands-on support at emergency job sites.

The role requires someone who is comfortable with an unpredictable 24/7 on-call schedule, physical work, and responding quickly when emergency service is needed.

What You'll Do

• Respond to railroad derailments and other emergency service calls.
• Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites using tractor-trailers and other vehicles.
• Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections in accordance with DOT requirements and company procedures.
• Inspect transported equipment and loads and verify permits for overweight or oversized equipment.
• Participate in daily safety meetings and review work plans before beginning assignments.
• Load, unload, stage, secure, and transport equipment and materials.
• Assist with rerailing operations, load adjustment/transfer, track maintenance, repairs, new track construction, and related railroad work.
• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, bulldozers, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders when qualified.
• Assist with crane assembly, equipment inspections, rigging, and connecting chains, cables, and winches.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding and cutting equipment, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Perform basic equipment and vehicle service and minor mechanical repairs; more complex issues are referred to the appropriate shop personnel.
• Monitor equipment and vehicles to maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.
• Help disassemble, load, and secure cranes and other equipment following job completion.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, supplies, and components when returning to the home location.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.
• Follow all required safety procedures and assist other departments or work crews as needed.

Requirements

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Basic mechanical skills for minor equipment maintenance and repairs.
• Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or another physically demanding labor environment.
• Ability to safely operate equipment and work around heavy machinery.
• Ability to pass required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
• Must be comfortable working extended hours and traveling as needed.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including one or more of the following:
  • Backhoe
  • Bulldozer
  • Excavator
  • Front-end loader
  • Grapple truck
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractor
  • Skid-steer loader
  • Experience with manual-transmission equipment is strongly preferred.
  • Experience with railroad, construction, rerailing, track maintenance, load adjustment, or similar field operations is a plus.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week
• Regularly scheduled overtime; typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
• Hours worked outside of Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at the overtime rate of time and a half.
• 24/7 on-call emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
• Per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.
• Full benefits package.

Work Environment

This position involves physical, hands-on work at railroad and construction sites. Employees may work around heavy machinery, cranes, vehicles, tools, and other equipment in varying weather and field conditions.

Team members may be cross-trained in rerailing, track maintenance, and load adjustment/transfer operations, allowing them to support different types of field assignments.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check
• Required qualification and safety testing

Interview Note: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.