CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Load Adjust

CDL-A Rerail Equipment Operator / Laborer 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 seeking a Class A CDL holder to join a specialized railroad emergency response team supporting train derailment recovery and rerailing operations. This is a hands-on role that combines equipment operation, CDL driving, mechanical work, and physical labor. Driving is approximately 10% of the job. Most of the work involves operating construction equipment, assisting with rerailing and railroad work, loading/unloading equipment, and supporting emergency response crews. This position requires someone who is comfortable being on call 24/7, including weekends and holidays, and responding quickly when emergencies occur.

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.