Railroad Track Equipment Operator – CDL-A

CDL A Railroad & Heavy 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 Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime Availability: 24/7 emergency on-call Benefits: Full-time benefits Position Overview Hiring Class A CDL professionals for hands-on railroad field work involving train derailment recovery, track work, heavy equipment operation, and material handling. Driving is approximately 10% of the role. Most of the work involves operating construction equipment, physical field work, equipment handling, and supporting railroad recovery operations. This position requires 24/7 emergency availability, including weekends and holidays. Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.

Responsibilities Complete DOT pre- and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment.

Transport equipment, materials, and machinery to and from job sites.

Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight transportation.

Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.

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

Perform and assist with track maintenance, track repair, new construction, grading, and railroad recovery operations .

Assist with crane setup, inspection, operation, breakdown, and transportation.

Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches .

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

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

Perform basic field repairs and minor equipment maintenance, including oil changes .

Monitor equipment and vehicles to help maintain safe and reliable operation.

Complete maintenance documentation and report larger mechanical issues for further repair.

Secure and reload equipment following assignments.

Restock parts, supplies, and components as needed.

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

Assist other crews or departments when needed.

Follow all safety requirements and work practices.

Requirements Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.

Basic mechanical skills for minor roadside equipment repairs.

Construction, heavy equipment, or physically demanding field-work experience.

Ability to safely operate heavy equipment.

Strong preference for candidates with manual-transmission equipment experience .

Ability to complete required qualification testing, training, and safety programs.

Comfortable working in physically demanding field conditions.

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

Ability to work extended hours and unpredictable schedules.

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

Railroad track maintenance, repair, construction, or recovery experience is a plus.

Equivalent training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Hours & Additional Compensation 40 hours guaranteed per week.

Typical workweeks average 60+ hours , with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.

Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime .

Per diem, hotel expenses for required 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: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots.