CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Recovery

Qualdoc • Kansas City, MO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

We are hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad recovery, derailment response, track repair, and equipment transport. This hands-on position combines heavy equipment operation, mechanical work, and physical labor. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the job; most time is spent operating equipment, assisting field crews, and maintaining readiness for emergency assignments. Employees receive cross-training in rerailing, track maintenance, and load adjustment. During downtime, duties include safety training and preventive maintenance (PM) on equipment.

Requirements

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) and a good driving record.
• Basic mechanical skills, including the ability to perform minor repairs such as an oil change.
• Experience in construction labor or another physically demanding role.
• Ability to operate standard construction equipment and perform hands-on fieldwork.
• Availability for emergency callouts at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs.
• Commitment to safe work practices in a demanding industrial environment.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Steel-toed boots are required for the interview.
• Must be able to work in an emergency-response environment where assignments and schedules can change with little notice.

Nice To Haves

• Three or more years of experience operating heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, or skid-steer loaders.
• Experience driving equipment with a manual transmission.
• Previous experience in railroad operations, construction, equipment maintenance, or emergency field response.

Responsibilities

• Drive tractor-trailers to transport equipment and materials to and from job sites; complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections in accordance with company policies and DOT regulations.
• Inspect loads, verify transportation permits, and confirm requirements for oversized and overweight equipment.
• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, skid steers, and rail-bound equipment, as qualified.
• Assist with railroad rerailing, load adjustment and transfer, railroad car maintenance, track repairs, grading, and railroad construction.
• Load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials at job sites.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspections, rigging, and the use of chains, cables, and winches during recovery operations.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding and cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools to complete field assignments.
• Perform basic mechanical maintenance, including minor roadside repairs and routine preventive maintenance; report more complex issues to the shop manager or foreman.
• Participate in job briefings and safety meetings, follow work plans, and maintain awareness of coworkers and surrounding equipment.
• Clean job sites, organize tools, restock vehicles and equipment, and prepare supplies for future assignments.
• Support other departments as needed and maintain safe, clean, and operational equipment.

Benefits

• 40 hours of work guaranteed each week, with substantial overtime opportunities.
• Hours worked outside the regular Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule are paid at the applicable overtime rate of time-and-a-half.
• Per diem, hotel accommodations or hotel pay for qualifying travel, and layover pay when applicable.
• Benefits package available through direct hire.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed