CDL-A Equipment Operator – Railroad Operations

Qualdoc; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time benefits

Job summary

Qualdoc is seeking a CDL-A Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and field operations in the Kansas City area. The role involves operating heavy equipment, transporting gear, and assisting with derailment recovery, track repairs, and load adjustments.

You will work in a demanding, safety‑driven environment with unpredictable schedules and significant overtime, including weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction or physically demanding field operations.
• Basic mechanical skills and field repair aptitude.
• Willingness to work long hours, overtime, and travel as needed.
• Availability for 24/7 emergency response, including nights and holidays.
• Commitment to safety and DOT regulations.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks and equipment.
• Operate tractor-trailers and heavy equipment when qualified.
• Assist with crane setup, rigging, and equipment handling for railroad recovery.
• Support track maintenance, load transfer, and railcar handling.
• Maintain clean and safe work sites and report equipment issues.
• Coordinate with teams during emergency response and field operations.

Skills

CDL-A

Heavy equipment operation

Physical stamina

Safety compliance

Overtime flexibility

Job description

CDL-A Equipment Operator – Railroad Operations

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 weekly; average of 60+ hours per week, with some weeks reaching 70 hours
Availability: On-call 24/7, including weekends and holidays

Position Overview

We are hiring a CDL-A Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response and field operations in the Kansas City area. This hands‑on position involves responding to train derailments, transporting equipment, operating construction machinery, and assisting with railroad recovery, track repair, railcar maintenance, and load adjustment projects.

Driving accounts for approximately 10% of the role. Most work involves equipment operation, field support, physical labor, and equipment maintenance. Team members may also assist other field operations as needed.

Candidates must be comfortable with unpredictable schedules, emergency callouts, frequent overtime, and physically demanding work.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with company policies and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

• Drive tractor‑trailers to and from job sites, inspect transported loads and machinery, and verify permits for oversized or overweight loads.

• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings to coordinate assignments and maintain safe, efficient operations.

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

• Assist with the setup, assembly, inspection, disassembly, and operation of cranes and other heavy equipment.

• Support derailment recovery by connecting and handling rigging equipment, including chains, cables, and winches.

• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and other machinery when qualified.

• Assist with track maintenance, track repairs, new track construction, grading, specialty lifting, railcar repairs, and load adjustment or transfer activities.

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

• Perform basic equipment and vehicle maintenance, including minor mechanical repairs and routine preventive maintenance, and document completed service.

• Monitor equipment condition and readiness, reporting complex mechanical problems to the Shop Manager or Foreman.

• Secure and reload equipment and materials after assignments, clean job sites, restock supplies, and organize tools and scrap materials at the home base.

• Maintain clean, orderly vehicles, equipment, and work areas while following all required safety procedures.

• Assist other departments or field teams when necessary to meet operational needs.

Required Qualifications

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

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

• Basic mechanical skills, including oil changes and minor equipment repairs while in the field.

• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely when qualified and assist with physically demanding field assignments.

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

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

• Ability to work extended hours, respond to last‑minute assignments, and travel as required.

• Commitment to workplace safety and compliance with applicable DOT regulations and company procedures.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• 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 equipment with a manual transmission.

• Familiarity with railroad recovery, track work, construction equipment, or similar field operations.

Work Schedule and Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.

• Typical workweeks average 60+ hours and may reach 70 hours, depending on operational demands.

• Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked outside the Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. schedule, according to the applicable overtime policy.

• Additional compensation may include per diem, hotel pay for travel, and layover pay when applicable.

• Work schedules are unpredictable due to emergency railroad response assignments.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screening.

• Completion of required training and qualification testing.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Competitive hourly pay with potential for higher compensation based on experience.

• Guaranteed weekly hours with opportunities for substantial overtime.

• Hands‑on experience with specialized railroad recovery and construction equipment.

• Opportunities to develop skills across railroad recovery, track maintenance, load transfer, and related field operations.

• Full‑time employment with benefits.