CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Rail Response
Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Pay: Starting at $26.00/hour; higher depending on experience
Schedule: 24/7 On-Call | 40 hours guaranteed
Benefits: Full benefits, per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable
Position Overview
We are hiring Class A CDL drivers to join a specialized rail response team supporting train derailment recovery and railroad maintenance.
This is more than a driving position. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the job. Team members operate heavy equipment, assist with rerailing and track work, handle materials, perform equipment maintenance, and provide hands-on support at emergency job sites.
The role requires someone who is comfortable with an unpredictable 24/7 on-call schedule, physical work, and responding quickly when emergency service is needed.
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
