CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour; higher pay may be available depending on experience.

Job Overview

Qualdoc is hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support emergency transportation, equipment handling, and industrial field operations throughout the region.

This hands-on position combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, mechanical work, and physical labor. Employees transport equipment to job sites, assist with specialized lifting and material handling, and operate construction equipment as needed.

This is not a traditional over-the-road driving position. Most of the work involves equipment operation, field support, and hands-on labor. Employees also assist with safety training and equipment maintenance when not responding to emergency calls.

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.