CDL-A Track Equipment Operator

Socket.dev; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem

Hotel expenses for travel

Layover pay

Job summary

Socket.dev in Kansas City, MO is seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad track construction, maintenance, repair, and emergency recovery work.

This hands-on role focuses on operating heavy equipment, performing inspections, and assisting with track projects at multiple job sites, with 24/7 on-call availability.

Starting pay is $26.00 per hour, with overtime and per diem; full-time direct hire with substantial overtime potential and travel requirements.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a clean driving record.
• Experience in construction or physical labor.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely.
• Willingness to work 24/7 on-call and travel as needed.
• Must pass drug screen and background check.

Responsibilities

• Perform track maintenance, repair, construction, grading, and new-build work.
• Travel to job sites and assist with emergency recovery and rerailing.
• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks and equipment.
• Safely transport, load, unload, and secure equipment.
• Operate heavy equipment when qualified (backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, loaders, cranes, rail-bound equipment).
• Assist with crane setup and rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
• Support with rerailing, load transfers, and site cleanup.

Skills

CDL-A

Heavy equipment

Safety training

On-call readiness

Team coordination

Education

CDL-A Driver Training

Tools

Chains & winches

Hydraulic tools

Welding equipment

Cutting torches

Electrical tools

Job description

CDL-A Track Equipment Operator

Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type:Direct Hire
Schedule:Full-Time
Pay:Starting at$26.00/hour— higher rates may be available depending on experience

Position Overview

We are hiring a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad track construction, maintenance, repair, and emergency recovery work.

This is primarily a hands-on equipment and labor position—not an over-the-road driving job. Driving generally makes up only about 10% of the work. Team members spend most of their time operating equipment, moving materials, assisting with track projects, and performing physical work at job sites.

The role requires flexibility and the ability to respond to emergency assignments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.

When emergency work is not active, employees may assist at the shop with safety training, equipment inspections, and preventive maintenance (PM).

Schedule & Pay

• 40 hours guaranteed per week
• Average workweek of 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours
• 24/7 on-call emergency response
• Starting pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime
• Per diem
• Hotel expenses for qualifying travel
• Layover pay when applicable

Responsibilities

• Perform railroad track maintenance, repair, construction, grading, and new-build work.
• Travel to job sites and assist with emergency railroad recovery and rerailing operations as needed.
• Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT regulations.
• Safely transport, load, unload, stage, and secure equipment and materials.
• Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including:
  • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Excavators
  • Front-end loaders
  • Grapple trucks
  • Dump trucks
  • Cranes
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractors
  • Skid-steer loaders
• Assist with crane setup, assembly, inspection, operation, and breakdown.
• Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
• Assist with rerailing, specialty lifting, load adjustment/transfer, and railroad construction activities.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor equipment and vehicles to help maintain safe and reliable operation.
• Perform minor equipment and vehicle service and report major mechanical issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Assist with equipment disassembly, loading, site cleanup, and material organization.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with necessary parts, components, and supplies.
• Sort and properly store scrap materials.
• Participate in daily safety meetings and follow all required safety procedures.
• Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
• Work with other teams or departments as needed to support operational requirements.

Requirements

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
• Previous construction labor or comparable physical labor experience.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
• Ability to work in a 24/7 on-call environment and respond to emergency service calls, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.
• Comfortable performing physically demanding work in an active job-site environment.

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, particularly with backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, rail-bound equipment, tractors, and skid-steer loaders.
• Equivalent combinations of training and experience may also be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screen
• Background check
• Interview: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is a full-time direct-hire opportunity offering guaranteed hours, substantial overtime potential, benefits, and additional compensation for travel and emergency response work. The position is ideal for a safety-focused Class A CDL professional with heavy equipment and construction experience who is comfortable working in demanding field environments and responding to emergency situations.