CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Rail Response

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 Drug screening Background check Required qualification and safety testing Interview Note: Candidates should bring steel-toed boots to the interview.