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Contractor Jobs in Independence, KS (NOW HIRING)

Site Ops Manager - Sapphire

Chanute, KS

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Site Manager drives Sapphire's local team and contractors concerning CRH's Purpose, Value, Vision, and Code of Business Conduct. What you'll be contributing: * Promote and follow all plant safety ...

Major Components Wind Technician

Neodesha, KS · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Exhibit positive, courteous behavior with customers, contractors, suppliers, and co-workers. * Accurately complete and submit required service reports, timecards, expense reports, and other required ...

Travel Med Surg RN

Chanute, KS · On-site

$1.6K - $2.2K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

By providing your phone number and engaging with Lynn Care, LLC (also known as Zack Group), its affiliates, and contracted partners--including via text message, phone call, AI-generated call, AI ...

Travel Med Surg RN - $2,164 per week

Chanute, KS · On-site

$2.1K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

By providing your phone number and engaging with Lynn Care, LLC (also known as Zack Group), its affiliates, and contracted partners--including via text message, phone call, AI-generated call, AI ...

Showing results 41-60

Contractor information

What is a contractor?

Contractors are professionals or companies hired to perform specific tasks, projects, or services for clients, typically on a temporary basis and under a contractual agreement. Unlike regular employees, contractors are usually self-employed or work through an agency, manage their own taxes, and often provide their own equipment or tools. They may work in various industries such as construction, IT, or consulting, and are generally paid per project or by the hour. Contractors have more flexibility in choosing their work and schedules but do not receive employee benefits like health insurance or paid leave.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contractor, you typically need expertise in construction methods, project management, budgeting, and relevant licensure or certifications. Familiarity with tools such as project management software, estimating programs, and compliance systems is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and client relationships effectively. These abilities are crucial to ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget while meeting client expectations and regulatory standards.

What do contractors do?

A contractor is a person who works on a construction site and is responsible for overseeing important details of a project. This could mean managing vendors, communicating information to all the workers on the site, reviewing documents and architectural plans to make sure the building is going according to plan, and managing the tasks of other workers. Contractors have extensive knowledge of the construction project that they are working on, regardless of its size and scale.

How do contractors typically coordinate with clients and other professionals during a project?

Contractors often serve as the central point of communication between clients, subcontractors, architects, and suppliers throughout a project. They regularly hold meetings to discuss project progress, address challenges, and ensure that everyone is aligned with the project goals and timelines. Effective contractors use project management tools and clear communication channels to keep stakeholders informed and projects on track. This collaborative approach helps prevent misunderstandings and promotes a smooth workflow, which is essential for delivering successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Contractor vs Freelancer?

AspectContractorFreelancer
CredentialsMay require licenses or certifications depending on industryOften self-certified; specific credentials vary by field
Work EnvironmentTypically works on-site or at client locations, often under a contractUsually works remotely or from home, with flexible locations
Employer & Industry UsageHired by companies for specific projects or time periodsHired by clients for individual tasks or projects, across various industries
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for project-based work, legal distinctionsCompared for flexible, independent work arrangements

In summary, Contractors are typically hired by companies for specific projects, often requiring industry-specific credentials and working on-site. Freelancers usually work independently, often remotely, offering services across multiple industries with flexible schedules. Both roles involve independent work but differ in work environment and contractual arrangements.

What type of jobs do contractors do?

Contractors perform a variety of jobs depending on their specialization, including construction, electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, and HVAC installation. They often work on projects requiring specific skills, tools, and certifications, and may operate independently or as part of a larger team on-site or in workshops.

What cities near Independence, KS are hiring for Contractor jobs?

Cities near Independence, KS with the most Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various Contractor job openings in Independence, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 17% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Roadmaster - Cherryvale, KS

Watco

Cherryvale, KS

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Watco rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 365 rated logistics


Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

The Assistant Roadmaster is responsible for helping support supervision and facilitation of the inspection, construction, maintenance and repair the railroad track infrastructure. Their responsibility is to assist with support and supervision of the team members who directly complete the inspections, repairs, and maintenance of the track infrastructure. This includes leading and managing daily work plans and track maintenance activity to maximize track work and train operations and directly assisting with the execution of daily projects and tasks as necessary.

This Assistant Roadmaster description is general and illustrative of the type of duties required for this position. This description is not all inclusive and is not meant to be a detailed description of every duty performed by the incumbent.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage, direct, and provide insight on inspection, repair and maintenance of the railroad track infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient service to our customers
• Comply with performance goals, quality standards, and monitor both quality and quantity to ensure profitability and efficiency
• Provide teams with working knowledge and understanding of all railroad infrastructure to include CFR Title 49 Part 213 and 214
• Assist with managing and ensuring a positive relationship between our leadership teams, customers, vendors, contractors, and other local, county and state agencies on railroad concerns
• Help oversee production work and third-party contractors on territory to ensure work is performed to safety standards and company policy
• Perform regular track inspections including joint inspections with track inspectors & other departments Work with track inspectors to develop and follow inspection schedule including audit inspections of internal and customer railroad infrastructure
• Ensure accountability for asset utilization, including but not limited to routine evaluation of railroad requirements and capital improvement projects to maximize efficiency
• Assist with preparation and administration of performance appraisals for track department team members Help develop team members by assigning appropriate types and levels of training, experience and certifications needed for advancement Ensure annual classroom training is completed, and certifications are up to date
• Help to evaluate and document performance of Team Members within the track department up to include disciplinary action as needed
• Conduct efficiency testing and monitor safe working practices in the field
• Assist with interviewing and hiring for open positions
• Ensure Team Members have the proper tools, materials, and equipment needed to safely perform their jobs every day Assist with developing and monitoring a maintenance schedule to ensure safe operations of tools, equipment, and vehicles
• Respond promptly to all accidents, incidents, or emergency calls
• Read and accurately interpret company documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and federal and state regulations Have a general understanding of blueprints and other technical materialsCover and fill in for the Roadmaster, Track Inspector or Track Foreman as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned or required

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Minimum 5 years relevant track maintenance and supervisory experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must possess a valid driver's license with no restrictions
• Class A CDL with no restrictions preferred
• Track Inspector certification

Education
Must be 18 years of age or older with High School or GED equivalent

What Watco employees say

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