CDL-A Equipment Operator
Location: Kansas City, MO Job Type: Direct Hire Starting Pay: $26.00/hour — higher pay may be 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
We are looking for a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and construction-related projects. This position combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, and hands-on field work.
Driving is only a portion of the job. When not responding to emergencies, employees may assist with equipment maintenance, preventive maintenance, safety training, and shop activities.
24/7 on-call availability is required, including weekends and holidays.
What You'll Do
- Perform pre- and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment according to DOT requirements and company procedures.
- Safely transport equipment, materials, and machinery to and from job sites.
- Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight equipment.
- Participate in daily safety meetings and review work plans before beginning assignments.
- Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for field operations.
- Support railroad emergency response, including train rerailing, load transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and related construction activities.
- Assist with the setup, inspection, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.
- Assist with rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
- Operate equipment such as:
- Cranes
- Backhoes
- Bulldozers
- Excavators
- Front-end loaders
- Grapple trucks
- Dump trucks
- Rail-bound equipment
- Tractors
- Skid-steer loaders
- Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
- Monitor vehicles and equipment to help maintain safe and reliable operation.
- Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing.
- Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, and job-site cleanup.
- Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, supplies, and components.
- Maintain clean, organized work areas, vehicles, tools, and equipment.
- Follow all required safety procedures and work practices.
- Assist other departments or teams as needed.
Requirements
- Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
- Experience in construction, equipment operation, or a physically demanding labor position.
- Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
- Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
- Must be available 24/7 for emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where emergency repairs and recovery work may require extended hours.
- Ability to perform physically demanding field work.
Preferred Experience
- 3+ years of heavy equipment operation, including experience with backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
- Equivalent combination of relevant training and hands-on experience will be considered.
Schedule & Compensation
- 40 hours guaranteed per week.
- Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
- Work outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM is paid at the applicable overtime rate of 1.5x.
- Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay when applicable.
- 24/7 emergency on-call availability is required.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screening
- Background check
- Required qualification and safety testing
Interview Requirement: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.
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