CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator

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

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

Qualdoc in Kansas City, MO is seeking a CDL-A Railroad Equipment Operator to support emergency railroad recovery and field operations in the Kansas City area. This hands-on role blends commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, physical labor, and basic mechanical maintenance.

Responsibilities include derailment recovery, load transfers, track maintenance, crane and heavy equipment handling, and performing maintenance between assignments.

Qualifications

• Valid CDL-A with a good driving record.
• Experience in construction labor or similar physically demanding role.
• Basic mechanical skills for minor repairs and servicing.
• Ability to operate standard construction equipment safely when qualified.
• Willingness to perform physical labor outdoors in varying conditions.
• Compliance with DOT regulations and safety procedures.
• Availability for 24/7 emergency response including nights, weekends, holidays.
• Willingness to travel locally and out of area for emergencies.
• Ability to complete required qualification tests and safety programs.

Responsibilities

• Inspect trucks, trailers, and equipment per procedures and DOT regs.
• Drive tractor-trailers and check loads, permits for oversized/overweight equipment.
• Participate in daily job planning and safety briefings.
• Move and stage materials and equipment for recovery and track work.
• Assist with rerailing, railcar maintenance, load adjustments, and track construction.
• Operate cranes and other heavy equipment when qualified.
• Perform rigging tasks using chains, cables, and winches.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding and cutting equipment as needed.
• Monitor vehicle and machinery safety and handle maintenance documentation.
• Reload and secure equipment after assignments and maintain clean work sites.

Skills

CDL-A

Heavy equipment operation

Construction labor experience

Mechanical maintenance

DOT regulations

Emergency response readiness

Local travel

Tools

Crane operation

Backhoe

Bulldozer

Excavator

Rail-bound equipment

Job description

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

Position Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspect trucks, trailers, and equipment before and after use in accordance with company procedures and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

• Drive 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 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, load adjustment, track work, construction, or equipment maintenance.

Schedule and Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed weekly, with significant overtime opportunities.

• Average workweeks of 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching 70 hours depending on emergency response needs.

• Hours worked outside the Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM schedule are paid at the applicable overtime rate of time and a half, subject to the employer's overtime policy and applicable law.

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

• The position requires ongoing emergency availability and flexibility to respond to assignments with little notice.

Benefits

• Full‑time employment with benefits.

• Opportunities to develop skills in heavy equipment operation, railroad recovery, track maintenance, and load transfer.

• Equipment maintenance and safety training during periods between field assignments.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screening.

• Successful completion of a background check.

Interview Requirement

• Bring steel‑toed boots to the interview.