About this role

CDL-A Equipment Operator – Railroad Operations

Location: Kansas City, MO

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay depending on experience

Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly; average of 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching 70 hours

Availability: On-call 24/7, including weekends and holidays

Position Overview

We are hiring a CDL-A Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and field operations in the Kansas City area. This hands-on position involves responding to train derailments, transporting equipment, operating construction machinery, and assisting with railroad recovery, track repair, railcar maintenance, and load adjustment projects.

Driving accounts for approximately 10% of the role. Most work involves equipment operation, field support, physical labor, and equipment maintenance. Team members may also assist other field operations as needed.

Candidates must be comfortable with unpredictable schedules, emergency callouts, frequent overtime, and physically demanding work.

Key Responsibilities

Transport equipment and materials to job sites using a tractor-trailer.
Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections and verify that loads are secure and transportation permits are accurate.
Operate heavy equipment, including excavators, backhoes, cranes, loaders, grapple trucks, and dump trucks, when qualified.
Assist with equipment lifting, load transfers, infrastructure repair, material handling, and related field projects.
Work with chains, cables, winches, hydraulic tools, welding and cutting equipment, and standard hand tools as required.
Perform basic mechanical tasks, including minor equipment repairs and oil changes when needed.
Monitor equipment condition, report defects, and help keep machinery ready for service.
Participate in safety briefings and follow DOT requirements and jobsite procedures.
Load, unload, secure, and organize equipment, tools, and supplies.
Maintain clean vehicles, equipment, and work areas.
Assist other field teams or departments as assignments require.

Skills and Qualifications

Class A CDL with a good driving record.
Basic mechanical skills, including the ability to perform an oil change and other minor equipment repairs.
Heavy equipment operating experience preferred.
Experience with manual-transmission equipment strongly preferred.
Background in construction, equipment operation, or physical field labor.
Ability to work safely with rigging equipment, hand tools, and hydraulic tools.
Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to pass required training and safety qualifications.
Availability for emergency callouts, including weekends and holidays.
Schedule and Compensation
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40 hours guaranteed weekly.
Average workload of 60 or more hours per week, with significant overtime.
On-call 24/7 for emergency assignments.
Time-and-a-half for hours outside Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m., under the stated pay arrangement.
Per diem, hotel reimbursement, and layover pay for qualifying travel assignments.

Additional Requirements

Pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Required safety training and qualification tests.

Benefits

Full-time direct-hire employment with company benefits and applicable travel compensation.