CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Qualdoc • Kansas City, MO

15h

About The Position

We are hiring CDL-A drivers to support railroad emergency response and heavy equipment operations. This hands-on position involves transporting equipment to job sites, operating heavy machinery when qualified, and assisting with railroad recovery, load transfers, track repairs, and related construction work. Driving accounts for approximately 10% of the role. The position requires physical labor, basic mechanical skills, and flexibility to respond to emergency assignments on short notice. Employees also perform equipment maintenance and safety training between emergency calls.

The role guarantees 40 hours of work each week. Typical workweeks average 60 or more hours, with some reaching approximately 70 hours. The regular schedule is Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; hours outside that schedule are paid at the applicable overtime rate, subject to company policy and applicable law. Employees must remain available for emergency response throughout the year. Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.

Pre-employment requirements include drug screening and a background check. Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview. The company may use AI tools to support parts of the hiring process, but final hiring decisions are made by humans.

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 and oil changes.
• Experience in construction labor or a similar physically demanding role.
• Ability to operate standard construction equipment safely when qualified.
• Ability to perform physical labor and work in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment.
• Availability to respond to emergency calls at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to complete required qualification tests, training, and safety programs.
• Willingness to travel for local and out-of-area emergency assignments.
• Pre-employment drug screening and background check.
• Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.

Nice To Haves

• Three or more years of heavy equipment operating experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience operating backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.
• Experience operating manual-transmission vehicles or equipment.
• Basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment according to DOT regulations and company procedures.
• Drive tractor-trailers to and from job sites, inspect loads, and verify permits for oversized or overweight equipment.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for railroad recovery, load adjustment, track repair, and construction activities.
• 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.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, operation, disassembly, and loading.
• Support rigging operations using chains, cables, and winches.
• Assist with railroad rerailing, railcar maintenance and repair, load adjustment and transfer, track maintenance, track repair, and new track construction.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools as required.
• Perform basic equipment and vehicle maintenance, including oil changes and minor repairs, and report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Participate in daily safety briefings, work planning, equipment checks, and required safety training.
• Clean job sites and maintain vehicles, equipment, tools, supplies, and work areas.
• Restock equipment and vehicles, organize tools and materials, and sort scrap materials after assignments.
• Follow all safety procedures and assist other departments as needed.

Benefits

• Full benefits package.
• Significant overtime is available.
• Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.

What This Job Offers

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