CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

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.

Primary Duties • Complete DOT-required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment.

• Drive and transport machinery, materials, and equipment to and from work locations.

• Check loads and confirm permits for oversized or overweight transportation.

• Participate in safety meetings and review job plans before starting work.

• Load, unload, position, and stage equipment and materials.

• Support railroad emergency and recovery operations, including:

• Train rerailing

• Load transfers

• Track maintenance

• Track repairs

• Related construction work

• Help set up, inspect, and operate cranes and other heavy equipment.

• Perform rigging activities using chains, cables, and winches.

• Assist with equipment disassembly, transportation, and job-site cleanup.

• Monitor equipment and vehicles for safe and reliable operation.

• Perform and record minor vehicle and equipment servicing.

• Keep vehicles, tools, equipment, and work areas clean and organized.

• Maintain necessary parts, supplies, and components in vehicles and equipment.

• Follow required safety procedures and work practices.

• Provide support to other teams and departments as needed.

Equipment & Tools Experience operating or working with the following is valuable:

• Cranes

• Backhoes

• Bulldozers

• Excavators

• Front-end loaders

• Grapple trucks

• Dump trucks

• Rail-bound equipment

• Tractors

• Skid-steer loaders

• Hydraulic tools

• Welding equipment

• Cutting torches

• Electrical tools

• Common hand tools

Qualifications • Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.

• Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or physically demanding field work.

• Ability to safely and effectively operate heavy equipment.

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

• Strong willingness to work in emergency-response conditions and extended-hour assignments.

• Ability to perform physically demanding work in the field.

• Must be available for 24/7 emergency calls, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred Experience • 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience , including experience with backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.

• Equivalent relevant training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Hours & Additional Compensation • 40 hours guaranteed per week.

• Typical schedules average 60+ hours per week , with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours .

• Work performed outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM is paid at the applicable 1.5x overtime rate .

• Per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay may be available when applicable.

• Local and out-of-area emergency assignments may be required.

Pre-Employment Requirements • Drug screening

• Background check

• Required qualification and safety testing

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