CDL-A Equipment Operator

Qualdoc; Kansas City, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Job summary

Qualdoc in Kansas City, MO is seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and construction projects. This role combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, and hands-on field work.

Drive and operate cranes, loaders, excavators, and other heavy equipment, with on-call duties 24/7. Expect long-hours workweeks with overtime and periodic travel for local and out-of-area assignments.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record is required.
• Experience in construction, equipment operation, or a labor‑intensive role.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
• Must be available 24/7 for emergency response, including weekends/holidays.
• Willingness to work in fast-paced environments with extended hours.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections per DOT rules and company procedures.
• Safely transport equipment, materials, and machinery to job sites.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized/overweight equipment.
• Attend daily safety meetings and review work plans.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment for field operations.
• Support railroad emergency response including rerailing, load transfer, track work.
• Assist with setup, inspection, and operation of cranes and heavy equipment.
• Rig with chains, cables, and winches as needed.
• Operate cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and rail equipment.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding, cutting torches, and hand tools.
• Monitor vehicle/equipment condition for safe operation; perform minor servicing.
• Assist with disassembly, loading, and site cleanup; restock as needed.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and equipment; follow safety procedures.

Skills

Valid Class A CDL

Good driving record

Operate heavy equipment safely

Physically demanding field work

24/7 on-call availability

Tools

Cranes

Backhoes

Bulldozers

Excavators

Front-end loaders

Grapple trucks

Dump trucks

Rail-bound equipment

Tractors

Skid-steer loaders

Job description

CDL-A Equipment Operator

Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour — higher pay may be available depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Travel: Local and out-of-area emergency assignments
Benefits: Full-time position with benefits

Position Overview

We are looking for a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and construction‑related projects. This position combines commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, and hands‑on field work.

Driving is only a portion of the job. When not responding to emergencies, employees may assist with equipment maintenance, preventive maintenance, safety training, and shop activities.

24/7 on‑call availability is required, including weekends and holidays.

What You'll Do

• Perform pre- and post‑trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment according to DOT requirements and company procedures.
• Safely transport equipment, materials, and machinery to and from job sites.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight equipment.
• Participate in daily safety meetings and review work plans before beginning assignments.
• Load, unload, move, and stage equipment and materials for field operations.
• Support railroad emergency response, including train rerailing, load transfer, track maintenance, repairs, and related construction activities.
• Assist with the setup, inspection, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.
• Assist with rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
• Operate equipment such as:
  • Cranes
  • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Excavators
  • Front‑end loaders
  • Grapple trucks
  • Dump trucks
  • Rail‑bound equipment
  • Tractors
  • Skid‑steer loaders
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor vehicles and equipment to help maintain safe and reliable operation.
• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle servicing.
• Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, and job‑site cleanup.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, supplies, and components.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas, vehicles, tools, and equipment.
• Follow all required safety procedures and work practices.
• Assist other departments or teams as needed.

Requirements

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction, equipment operation, or a physically demanding labor position.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
• Ability to complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• Must be available 24/7 for emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment where emergency repairs and recovery work may require extended hours.
• Ability to perform physically demanding field work.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years of heavy equipment operation, including experience with backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front‑end loaders, grapple trucks, rail‑bound equipment, tractors, or skid‑steer loaders.
• Equivalent combination of relevant training and hands‑on experience will be considered.

Schedule & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.
• Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
• Work outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM is paid at the applicable overtime rate of 1.5x.
• Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel expenses for travel, and layover pay when applicable.
• 24/7 emergency on‑call availability is required.

Pre‑Employment Requirements

• Drug screening
• Background check
• Required qualification and safety testing

Interview Requirement: Candidates should bring steel‑toed boots to the interview.