AI summary
The CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator primarily handles emergency railroad recovery and related field operations, including driving, heavy equipment operation, and physical labor.
Job Description
CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator
Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed per week; typical workweeks average 60+ hours and may reach 70 hours
Availability: On-call 24/7, including weekends and holidays
Travel: Local and out-of-area emergency assignments
Benefits: Full benefits package
Position Overview
We are hiring a CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator to assist with emergency railroad recovery and related field operations in the Kansas City area. This hands-on role combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, physical labor, and basic mechanical maintenance.
Assignments may include train derailment recovery, load adjustment and transfer, railcar repairs, track maintenance, and track construction. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the job; most duties involve field operations, equipment handling, and supporting recovery crews.
Employees must be comfortable with unpredictable callouts, extended workweeks, and responding quickly to emergencies. When not assigned to field emergencies, team members help with equipment maintenance, preventive maintenance (PM), and safety training.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Three or more years of heavy equipment operating experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
- Experience operating backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.
- Experience operating equipment with a manual transmission.
- Familiarity with railroad recovery, load adjustment, track work, construction, or equipment maintenance.
Schedule and Compensation
- 40 hours guaranteed weekly, with significant overtime opportunities.
- Average workweeks of 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching 70 hours depending on emergency response needs.
- Hours worked outside the Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule are paid at the applicable overtime rate of time and a half, subject to the employer's overtime policy and applicable law.
- Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.
- The position requires ongoing emergency availability and flexibility to respond to assignments with little notice.
Benefits
- Full-time employment with benefits.
- Opportunities to develop skills in heavy equipment operation, railroad recovery, track maintenance, and load transfer.
- Equipment maintenance and safety training during periods between field assignments.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
- Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding role.
- Basic mechanical skills for minor field repairs and equipment servicing.
- Ability to operate a variety of standard construction equipment safely when qualified.
- Willingness to perform physical labor and work outdoors in varying conditions.
- Ability to follow DOT regulations, safety procedures, and equipment operating requirements.
- Availability for 24/7 emergency response, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Willingness to travel locally and out of the area for emergency assignments.
- Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.
- Successful completion of a background check.
Interview Requirement
About the job
- Posted on
- Oct 14, 2026
- Job type
- Full-time
- Location
- Kansas City, MOOn-site
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