CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Load Adjust
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
Job Overview
We are seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and field operations. This hands-on position involves transporting and operating equipment, adjusting and transferring loads, assisting with derailment response, and performing physical work at job sites.
Driving makes up approximately 10% of the position. The majority of the job involves equipment operation, load adjustment, rigging, maintenance, and other field duties.
This role requires someone who is comfortable with an unpredictable 24/7 on-call schedule and responding to emergency assignments, including weekends and holidays.
Schedule & Compensation
- 40 hours guaranteed each week
- Average workweek is 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours
- On-call 24/7 for emergency response
- Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at time-and-a-half
- Per diem for qualifying assignments
- Hotel pay for travel
- Layover pay when applicable
Responsibilities
- Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment
- Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites and safely transport equipment and materials
- Inspect transported loads and verify required permits for overweight or oversized equipment
- Load, unload, stage, secure, and reposition materials and equipment
- Assist with load adjustment and transfer operations during railroad emergency assignments
- Support rerailing, track maintenance/repair, railroad car maintenance, and related field activities as needed
- Assist with assembly, inspection, operation, and disassembly of cranes and other equipment
- Perform rigging and connect chains, cables, and winches during field operations
- Operate equipment such as:
- Cranes
- Backhoes
- Grapple trucks
- Dump trucks
- Excavators
- Front-end loaders
- 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 maintain safe and reliable operation
- Perform and document minor equipment maintenance and repairs, including basic mechanical tasks such as oil changes
- Report more complex mechanical issues for additional repair
- Participate in daily safety briefings and follow all required safety procedures
- Assist with site cleanup and return equipment, tools, parts, and supplies to the proper locations
- Maintain vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas in an organized and safe condition
- Perform other field duties as needed to support operations
Requirements
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
- Good driving record
- Experience in construction, equipment operation, or another physically demanding labor position
- Basic mechanical skills for minor equipment repairs
- Ability to work safely with heavy equipment, tools, and rigging
- Comfortable working an on-call 24/7 schedule
- Ability to respond to emergency assignments, including weekends and holidays
- Must successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs
Preferred Experience
- 3+ years of heavy equipment operation experience
- Experience operating backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders
- Experience with manual-transmission equipment
- Experience with railroad, construction, load transfer, rigging, or emergency field operations
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Drug screen
- Background check
Interview Requirement: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.
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