CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad

Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Travel: Local and out-of-area emergency assignments
Benefits: Full-time position with benefits

Position Overview

Seeking a Class A CDL Heavy Equipment Operator for railroad recovery, load adjustment, track work, and field operations. This is a hands-on position where driving is a small part of the job. The majority of the work involves operating equipment, material handling, physical labor, and supporting emergency railroad operations.

24/7 on-call availability is required, including weekends and holidays.

What You'll Do

• Complete DOT pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Transport equipment and materials to job sites and verify oversized/overweight permits.
• Load, unload, stage, and position equipment and materials.
• Support rerailing, load adjustment/transfer, track repair, maintenance, and new construction.
• Assist with crane setup, inspection, operation, and breakdown.
• Perform rigging with chains, cables, and winches.
• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, tractors, skid steers, and rail-bound equipment.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and hand tools.
• Perform basic field equipment maintenance, including minor repairs and oil changes.
• Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe operation and readiness.
• Participate in safety meetings, training, and preventive maintenance activities.
• Reload and secure equipment after assignments and help clean work areas.
• Restock parts, supplies, and equipment at the end of assignments.
• Assist other crews or departments as needed.

Requirements

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Basic mechanical skills for minor equipment repairs in the field.
• Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or physically demanding labor.
• Comfortable operating heavy equipment and working around railroad operations.
• Strong preference for candidates experienced with manual-transmission equipment.
• Able to complete required qualification testing, training, and safety programs.
• Comfortable working extended hours and responding to emergency calls.
• Available 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in varying field conditions.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years of heavy equipment operation, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
• Experience with railroad, rerailing, track maintenance, load transfer, or similar field operations is a plus.
• Equivalent training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Hours & Additional Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed each week.
• Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
• Hours outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime.
• Per diem, hotel expenses for required travel, and layover pay may be available when applicable.
• Emergency assignments may require local or out-of-area travel.

Pre-Employment Requirements

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

Interview: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots.