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.