CDL-A Equipment Operator/Laborer – Kansas City, MO

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Kansas City, MO Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience Schedule: 40 hours guaranteed per week, with significant overtime Availability: On-call 24/7, including weekends and holidays Benefits: Full benefits package Position Summary We are hiring CDL-A drivers to support railroad emergency response and heavy equipment operations. This hands-on position involves transporting equipment to job sites, operating heavy machinery when qualified, and assisting with railroad recovery, load transfers, track repairs, and related construction work. Driving accounts for approximately 10% of the role. The position requires physical labor, basic mechanical skills, and the flexibility to respond to emergency assignments on short notice. Employees also perform equipment maintenance and safety training between emergency calls.

Schedule & Compensation • 40 hours guaranteed per week

• Significant overtime; average workweeks are 60+ hours

• On-call availability 24/7, including weekends and holidays

• Hours outside Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m., paid at time-and-a-half

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

• Benefits included

Responsibilities • Inspect trucks, trailers, and equipment before and after trips.

• Transport equipment and materials safely and check loads and permits for oversized or overweight equipment.

• Load, unload, stage, and transfer heavy equipment and materials.

• Operate cranes, excavators, backhoes, grapple trucks, dump trucks, and other equipment when qualified.

• Assist with equipment setup, rigging, chains, cables, and winches.

• Perform basic mechanical tasks and minor equipment repairs in the field, including oil changes.

• Use hydraulic, electrical, welding, cutting, and hand tools as needed.

• Participate in safety briefings, equipment maintenance, site cleanup, and restocking.

• Support related field assignments as needed.

Requirements • Valid Class A CDL with a good driving record.

• Basic mechanical skills, including the ability to perform minor equipment maintenance.

• Experience in construction, equipment operation, or physically demanding labor.

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

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

Preferred Qualifications • Experience operating manual-transmission vehicles or equipment.

• Three or more years of heavy equipment operating experience, or equivalent training and experience.

• Experience with excavators, backhoes, front-end loaders, bulldozers, grapple trucks, tractors, or skid-steers.

Pre-Employment Requirements • Background check

• Pre-employment drug screen