Railroad Track Equipment Operator – CDL-A

Qualdoc; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time benefits

Job summary

Qualdoc is hiring a Railroad Track Equipment Operator – CDL-A in Kansas City, MO. The role focuses on heavy equipment operation for track maintenance, construction, and recovery, with driving being a smaller part of daily tasks.

Candidates must have a Class A CDL, 3+ years of heavy equipment experience, and be available for 24/7 on-call emergencies. Expect 60+ hour weeks and overtime pay; starting pay is $26.00/hour with higher rates based on experience.

Qualifications

• Class A CDL with a clean driving record.
• 3+ years of heavy equipment operation experience.
• Ability to work long and irregular hours, including overtime.
• Experience with track maintenance or construction equipment is a plus.
• Comfort working in physically demanding field conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, and rail-bound equipment as required.
• Perform DOT pre- and post-trip inspections and safety checks.
• Transport equipment and materials to and from job sites.
• Assist with track maintenance, repair, construction, and recovery operations.
• Maintain and document maintenance activities and safety procedures.
• Support emergency response and on-call assignments as needed.

Skills

CDL Class A

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Emergency response

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Rigging gear

Job description

Railroad Track Equipment Operator – CDL-A

Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience
Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed weekly + significant overtime
Availability: 24/7 emergency on-call
Benefits: Full-time benefits

Position Overview

Hiring a Class A CDL Track Equipment Operator to support railroad track maintenance, emergency recovery, construction, and field operations. Driving is only a small part of this role. Most of the work involves heavy equipment operation, track work, material handling, and physical labor.

This position requires flexibility for emergency assignments and the ability to work extended hours.

• Complete DOT pre- and post-trip inspections on trucks, trailers, and equipment.
• Transport equipment, materials, and machinery to and from job sites.
• Inspect loads and verify permits for oversized or overweight transportation.
• Participate in daily work planning and safety briefings.
• Load, unload, stage, and position materials and equipment.
• Perform and assist with track maintenance, track repair, new construction, grading, and railroad recovery operations.
• Assist with crane setup, inspection, operation, breakdown, and transportation.
• Perform rigging using chains, cables, and winches.
• Operate equipment such as cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, grapple trucks, dump trucks, tractors, skid steers, and rail-bound equipment.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and hand tools.
• Perform basic field repairs and minor equipment maintenance, including oil changes.
• Monitor equipment and vehicles to help maintain safe and reliable operation.
• Complete maintenance documentation and report larger mechanical issues for further repair.
• Secure and reload equipment following assignments.
• Restock parts, supplies, and components as needed.
• Maintain clean, organized vehicles, equipment, and work areas.
• Assist other crews or departments when needed.
• Follow all safety requirements and work practices.

• Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.
• Basic mechanical skills for minor roadside equipment repairs.
• Construction, heavy equipment, or physically demanding field-work experience.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment.
• Strong preference for candidates with manual-transmission equipment experience.
• Ability to complete required qualification testing, training, and safety programs.
• Comfortable working in physically demanding field conditions.
• Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work extended hours and unpredictable schedules.
• 3+ years of heavy equipment operation, including experience with:
  • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Excavators
  • Front-end loaders
  • Grapple trucks
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractors
  • Skid-steer loaders
  • Railroad track maintenance, repair, construction, or recovery experience is a plus.
  • Equivalent training and hands-on experience may be considered.

Hours & Compensation

• 40 hours guaranteed per week.
• Typical workweeks average 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours.
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime.
• Per diem, hotel expenses for required travel, and layover pay may be available when applicable.
• Local and out-of-area emergency assignments may be required.

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

Interview: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots.