CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Rail Response

CDL-A Driver/Operator (Rerail) Location: Kansas City, MO Job Type: Direct Hire Pay: Starting at $26.00/hour; higher depending on experience Schedule: Full-time | 24/7 On-Call Benefits: Full benefits, per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable About the Role We are seeking a Class A CDL Driver/Operator to support emergency train derailment response and rerailing operations. While driving is only about 10% of the role, you will also operate heavy equipment, assist with rerailing and load transfer activities, perform maintenance, and support track-related work. This is an on-call position requiring availability 24/7, including weekends and holidays. The average workweek is approximately 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching 70 hours.

What You'll Do Respond to railroad derailments and other emergency service calls.

Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites using tractor-trailers and other vehicles.

Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections in accordance with DOT requirements and company procedures.

Inspect transported equipment and loads and verify permits for overweight or oversized equipment.

Participate in daily safety meetings and review work plans before beginning assignments.

Load, unload, stage, secure, and transport equipment and materials.

Assist with rerailing operations, load adjustment/transfer, track maintenance, repairs, new track construction, and related railroad work.

Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, front-end loaders, bulldozers, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders when qualified.

Assist with crane assembly, equipment inspections, rigging, and connecting chains, cables, and winches.

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

Perform basic equipment and vehicle service and minor mechanical repairs; more complex issues are referred to the appropriate shop personnel.

Monitor equipment and vehicles to maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.

Help disassemble, load, and secure cranes and other equipment following job completion.

Restock vehicles and equipment with parts, supplies, and components when returning to the home location.

Maintain clean, organized work areas, vehicles, and equipment.

Follow all required safety procedures and assist other departments or work crews as needed.

Requirements Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.

Basic mechanical skills for minor equipment maintenance and repairs.

Experience in construction, heavy equipment operation, or another physically demanding labor environment.

Ability to safely operate equipment and work around heavy machinery.

Ability to pass required qualification, training, and safety programs.

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

Must be comfortable working extended hours and traveling as needed.

Preferred Experience 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience , including one or more of the following:

Backhoe

Bulldozer

Excavator

Front-end loader

Grapple truck

Rail-bound equipment

Tractor

Skid-steer loader

Experience with manual-transmission equipment is strongly preferred.

Experience with railroad, construction, rerailing, track maintenance, load adjustment, or similar field operations is a plus.

Schedule & Compensation 40 hours guaranteed per week

Regularly scheduled overtime; typical workweeks average 60+ hours , with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.

Hours worked outside of Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at the overtime rate of time and a half .

24/7 on-call emergency response , including weekends and holidays.

Per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.

Full benefits package.

Work Environment This position involves physical, hands-on work at railroad and construction sites. Employees may work around heavy machinery, cranes, vehicles, tools, and other equipment in varying weather and field conditions.

Team members may be cross-trained in rerailing, track maintenance, and load adjustment/transfer operations , allowing them to support different types of field assignments.

Pre-Employment Requirements Drug screening

Background check

Required qualification and safety testing

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