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.