CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Rail Response

On-site

Posted 15 days ago

AI summary

This role involves operating heavy equipment as part of a rail response team, including tasks related to train derailment recovery and railroad maintenance, with only a small portion of the job dedicated to driving.

Eligible from: Unclear

Job Description

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.

Responsibilities

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.

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.

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.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Drug screening
Background check
Required qualification and safety testing

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

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About the job

Posted on: Oct 6, 2026
Job type: Full-time
Location: Kansas City, MOOn-site

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CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Rail Response

AI summary

Job Description

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Rail Response

Position Overview

Responsibilities

What You'll Do

Preferred Experience

Schedule & Compensation

Work Environment

Requirements

Requirements

Pre-Employment Requirements

Ready to Apply?

About the job

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