CDL-A Equipment Operator – Railroad Operations

CDL-A Equipment Operator – Railroad Operations

Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with potential for higher pay based on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed per week; average of 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching 70 hours
Availability: On-call 24/7, including weekends and holidays

Position Overview

We are seeking a dependable CDL-A driver and equipment operator to support railroad recovery, derailment response, and track-related operations. This position combines equipment transportation, heavy machinery operation, hands-on fieldwork, and basic equipment maintenance.

Driving makes up approximately 10% of the role. Most responsibilities involve operating construction equipment, assisting field crews, and helping restore railroad operations safely and efficiently. Candidates must be comfortable responding to emergency calls at any time.

Compensation and Benefits

• • Starting pay of $26.00 per hour, with higher pay possible based on experience

  • Guaranteed 40 hours per week

  • Overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for eligible hours outside the standard Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. schedule

  • Per diem for eligible assignments

  • Hotel accommodations or hotel pay for work-related travel

  • Layover pay when applicable

  • Benefits package available

Key Responsibilities

• • Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations.

  • Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites, inspect loads, and verify permits for oversized or overweight equipment.

  • Operate heavy machinery, when qualified, to support railroad recovery, rerailing, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance and repair, grading, and railroad construction.

  • Assist with derailment recovery by assembling equipment, rigging chains, cables, and winches, and supporting crane operations.

  • Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials before and after field assignments.

  • Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as needed.

  • Perform basic equipment servicing and minor mechanical repairs, including routine maintenance, and report more complex issues to the appropriate supervisor.

  • Monitor equipment condition and readiness to minimize downtime.

  • Participate in safety briefings, required training, site cleanup, and equipment inspections.

  • Maintain organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.

  • Assist other operational teams as needed to support field assignments and business requirements.

  During periods between emergency calls, employees may assist with equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, safety training, and shop activities.

Required Qualifications

• • Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A)

  • Good driving record

  • Experience in construction, equipment operation, or a similar hands-on role involving physical labor

  • Basic mechanical aptitude and the ability to perform minor equipment repairs and routine maintenance

  • Ability to operate heavy equipment safely when qualified

  • Willingness to work long hours and respond to emergency calls on a 24/7 basis, including weekends and holidays

  • Ability to complete required qualification tests, safety training, and other job-related assessments

  • Commitment to following safety procedures and maintaining a safe work environment

Preferred Qualifications

• • Three or more years of experience operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders; equivalent training and experience will also be considered.

  • Experience operating equipment with a manual transmission

  • Experience in railroad operations, construction, equipment transportation, or emergency field response

Pre-Employment Requirements

• • Pre-employment drug screening

  • Background check

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