CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator

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 per week; typical workweeks average 60+ hours and may reach 70 hours
Availability: On-call 24/7, including weekends and holidays
Travel: Local and out-of-area emergency assignments
Benefits: Full benefits package

We are hiring a CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator to assist with emergency railroad recovery and related field operations in the Kansas City area. This hands‑on role combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, physical labor, and basic mechanical maintenance.

Assignments may include train derailment recovery, load adjustment and transfer, railcar repairs, track maintenance, and track construction. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the job; most duties involve field operations, equipment handling, and supporting recovery crews.

Employees must be comfortable with unpredictable callouts, extended workweeks, and responding quickly to emergencies. When not assigned to field emergencies, team members help with equipment maintenance, preventive maintenance (PM), and safety training.

• Inspect trucks, trailers, and equipment before and after use in accordance with company procedures and Department of Transportation (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). tractor‑trailers to and from job sites and check transported machinery, loads, and required permits for oversized or overweight equipment.

• Participate in daily job planning and safety briefings before beginning work.

• Load, unload, move, and stage materials and equipment for railroad recovery, load transfers, and track repair or construction.

• Assist with rerailing operations, railcar maintenance and repair, load adjustment, and track maintenance or new track construction.

• Help assemble, inspect, operate, dismantle, and secure cranes and other heavy equipment.

• Perform rigging tasks using chains, cables, and winches during railroad recovery work.

• Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front‑end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, tractors, rail‑bound equipment, and skid‑steer loaders.

• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools to complete assigned tasks.

• Perform basic equipment servicing and minor mechanical repairs, including oil changes, and document maintenance activities.

• Monitor vehicles and machinery to ensure safe operation and minimize downtime. Refer complex repairs to the Shop Manager or Foreman.

• Reload and secure equipment after assignments, clean work sites, replenish vehicle supplies, and organize parts, tools, and scrap materials.

• Complete preventive maintenance and safety training during downtime between emergency assignments.

• Maintain clean, orderly work areas and follow all safety policies and operating procedures.

• Assist other field teams and departments as operational needs require.

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.

• Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding role.

• Basic mechanical skills for minor field repairs and equipment servicing.

• Ability to operate a variety of standard construction equipment safely when qualified.

• Willingness to perform physical labor and work outdoors in varying conditions.

• Ability to follow DOT regulations, safety procedures, and equipment operating requirements.

• Availability for 24/7 emergency response, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Willingness to travel locally and out of the area for emergency assignments.

• Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs.