What are the responsibilities and job description for the Rail Operator position at Martin Marietta?
JOB SUMMARY
The Rail Operator is a critical member of the Martin Marietta/Rock & Rail LLC logistics team, responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable movement of freight trains, aggregates, and materials within our quarry, plant, and yard rail networks. The Rail Operator oversees yard switching, railcar spotting, and tracking inventory compliance. This role requires strict adherence to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) guidelines, and Martin Marietta/ Rock & Rail LLC rigorous "Safety First" corporate culture. The objective is to facilitate seamless supply chain distribution while ensuring zero incidents in a highly demanding, safety-sensitive industrial environment.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Direct and execute safe ground-level switching, coupling, and uncoupling operations of railcars to facilitate efficient material loading and unloading.
- Manually align and operate track switches and derail devices, ensuring proper switch point alignment prior to authorizing train movements.
- Safely ride on the exterior ladders and grab irons of moving rail equipment for extended periods during pushing and shoving movements.
- Coordinate the exact spotting and staging of heavy aggregate cars at distribution yards, loading chutes, and under unloader mechanisms.
- Ensure 100% compliance with all train orders, signals, railroad operating rules, FRA regulations, and MSHA standards.
- Perform comprehensive physical inspections of railcars, air brake hoses, safety appliances, and couplings prior to train departure to detect defects.
- Conduct routine field repairs on railcars as needed, including replacing broken knuckle couplers and swapping out worn air brake hoses.
- Monitor track conditions for anomalies such as broken rails, debris, defective switches, or weather-related hazards to prevent derailments.
- Act as the primary ground communicator, utilizing clear and precise radio transmissions, hand signals, and lantern signals to direct train speed and distance.
- Review, interpret, and execute daily switch lists, bulletins, and work orders.
- Maintain accurate paper or digital records of railcar movements, mechanical defect reports, tracking manifests, and billing handoffs.
- Strictly enforce Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures when performing minor mechanical adjustments and assist in maintaining clean, debris-free rail paths.
- Correctly wear and maintain all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including steel-toed boots, high-visibility vest, hard hat, and protective eyewear at all times.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience
Vocational training or equivalent experience is preferred.
Valid State Driver’s License
Work Experience
1 year of direct Railroad experience as a Rail Operator
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Safety focused
Comply with all railroad rules, regulations, and instructions
Knowledge of machines and tools
Equipment maintenance
Inspection and maintenance procedures
Preventative maintenance procedures
Problem solving skills
Detail oriented
Time management
Effective communicator (written and spoken)
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift and carry up to 150 lbs. for maintenance and equipment servicing.
Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach. You must be able to maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders.
Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good depth perception with or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet.
Distinguish and interpret color signals and switch indicators.
Working Conditions
All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty. Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.
Disclaimers
In addition to the primary responsibilities outlined, the successful candidate may be expected to take on other tasks and assignments as required, including but not limited to duties outside the typical scope of the role to support overall team operations and organizational needs. Flexibility and adaptability to evolving job demands are essential.
COMPENSATION
The hiring range for this position is $26.90 -$36.40; exclusive of benefits or bonuses (discretionary and non-discretionary). The offered base compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, business need, market conditions, proficiencies, skills, education, and experience. Additionally, at Martin Marietta we place a high value on internal pay equity and will consider the compensation for those in similarly situated roles and direct team members. The hiring range for this role represents the base compensation we expect to pay for the position at time of hire and does not represent the total possible base pay of the position.
In addition to our base compensation, we also offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage; prescription drug coverage; health savings accounts; flexible spending accounts; life, AD&D and disability insurance; 401(k) with a company match and an employer-funded defined benefit pension plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, education/tuition assistance, an employee discount program, adoption assistance, wellness programs and more.
Part time employees are eligible to participate in the 401k plan and receive a company match. In addition, they are eligible to start accruing service for the pension plan.