CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery

Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour; higher depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly, with significant overtime. Average workweeks are 60+ hours and may reach 70 hours.
Availability: On-call 24/7, including weekends and holidays

Job Overview

We are hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad recovery, derailment response, track repair, and equipment transport. This hands-on position combines heavy equipment operation, mechanical work, and physical labor. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the job; most time is spent operating equipment, assisting field crews, and maintaining readiness for emergency assignments.

Employees receive cross-training in rerailing, track maintenance, and load adjustment. During downtime, duties include safety training and preventive maintenance (PM) on equipment.

Responsibilities

Drive tractor-trailers to transport equipment and materials to and from job sites; complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations.

Inspect loads, verify transportation permits, and confirm requirements for oversized and overweight equipment.

Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, skid steers, and rail-bound equipment, as qualified.

Assist with railroad rerailing, load adjustment and transfer, railroad car maintenance, track repairs, grading, and railroad construction.

Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials at job sites.

Assist with crane assembly, inspections, rigging, and the use of chains, cables, and winches during recovery operations.

Use hydraulic tools, welding and cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools to complete field assignments.

Perform basic mechanical maintenance, including minor roadside repairs and routine preventive maintenance; report more complex issues to the shop manager or foreman.

Participate in job briefings and safety meetings, follow work plans, and maintain awareness of coworkers and surrounding equipment.

Clean job sites, organize tools, restock vehicles and equipment, and prepare supplies for future assignments.

Support other departments as needed and maintain safe, clean, and operational equipment.

Compensation and Benefits

Required Qualifications

Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) and a good driving record.

Basic mechanical skills, including the ability to perform minor repairs such as an oil change.

Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding role.

Ability to operate standard construction equipment and perform hands-on fieldwork.

Availability for emergency callouts at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs.

Commitment to safe work practices in a demanding industrial environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Employment Requirements

• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Steel-toed boots are required for the interview.
• Must be able to work in an emergency-response environment where assignments and schedules can change with little notice.