CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad

CDL-A Track Equipment Operator Location: Kansas City, MO Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time Starting Pay: $26.00/hour — higher pay may be available depending on experience Benefits: Full-time benefits Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime Availability: 24/7 emergency on-call Position Overview We are hiring a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad track construction, maintenance, repair, and emergency response projects. This is a hands-on field position. Driving is only a small part of the job; employees will also operate heavy equipment, assist with track work, handle materials, and perform physical labor at job sites.

What You'll Do • Perform DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment.

• Safely transport machinery, materials, and supplies between locations.

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

• Attend daily safety meetings and participate in work planning.

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

• Assist with railroad track construction, grading, maintenance, repairs, and related field activities.

• Support load adjustment and transfer operations.

• Assist with crane setup, inspection, and operation.

• Perform rigging work with chains, cables, and winches.

• Operate and assist with various heavy equipment.

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

• Observe trucks and equipment to identify maintenance or operating concerns.

• Complete and document minor vehicle and equipment maintenance.

• Help with equipment breakdown, loading, and job-site cleanup.

• Keep vehicles and equipment supplied with required parts, components, and materials.

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

• Follow established safety procedures and work practices.

• Provide assistance to other departments and crews as needed.

Heavy Equipment Experience with the following equipment is preferred:

• Cranes

• Backhoes

• Bulldozers

• Excavators

• Front-end loaders

• Grapple trucks

• Dump trucks

• Rail-bound equipment

• Tractors

• Skid-steer loaders

Qualifications • Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a good driving record.

• Background in construction, heavy equipment operation, or other physically demanding work.

• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment.

• Ability to successfully complete required qualifications, training, and safety testing.

• Able to perform physical field work and work extended hours when necessary.

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

Preferred Experience 3+ years of heavy equipment operation , including experience with:

• Backhoes

• Bulldozers

• Excavators

• Front-end loaders

• Grapple trucks

• Rail-bound equipment

• Tractors

• Skid-steer loaders

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

Schedule & Pay Details • 40 hours guaranteed per week.

• Typical workweeks average 60+ hours , 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.

• 24/7 on-call availability is required for emergency response.

Pre-Employment Requirements • Drug screening

• Background check

• Required qualification and safety testing

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