Railroad Track Laborer

Railroad Track Laborer

Summary

As a Railroad Track Laborer, you will work as part of a crew responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of railroad tracks, ties, switches, and ballast. This position involves the use of hand tools and heavy equipment, with the potential to advance to more specialized machine operator roles.

Key Responsibilities

• This job requires 100% travel. Typical schedules are two or three weeks on a project followed by one week at home.
• Consistently maintain and promote a strong safety culture.
• Repair and rebuild railroad track and bridge structures using both hydraulic and manual tools.
• Remove and replace rails and ties; pull and drive spikes; shovel ballast; load and unload equipment and materials.
• Operate and maintain various types of tools and equipment, including tampers, regulators, backhoes, torches, hammers, jacks, and other mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic tools.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting for equipment issues.
• Remain up-to-date and compliant with all relevant federal and state railroad industry regulations.
• Update rules and manuals as necessary to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.
• Follow company policies and encourage safe work practices at all times.

Required Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and willingness to adhere to all safety standards.
• Ability to complete written forms and reports, including FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) forms, and to respond to audible and visual signals and warnings.
• Proficient in the use of equipment such as tampers, regulators, backhoes, torches, hammers, jacks, and related mechanical/hydraulic/pneumatic tools.
• Ability to read and interpret safety regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, and manuals.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and a willingness to take direction.
• Experience working with heavy hand tools and in outdoor environments preferred.
• Ability to pass a Federal background check.
• Ability to comply with FRA 219 drug testing program requirements.
• Working knowledge of FRA 213 rules and regulations strongly preferred.

Required Education and Credentials

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted on a regular basis.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions and terrains, from early morning until late afternoon as needed.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as climbing, standing, bending, twisting, and lifting.
• Comfortable working around hazardous materials, loud noise, extreme heat and cold.
• Flexible schedule availability, including on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Willingness and ability to travel to various job sites, including overnight stays and on short notice.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)

• High school diploma or equivalent, or a comparable combination of education and work experience.
• Current CDL (Commercial Driver’s License).
• Previous experience in railroad, heavy construction, or maintenance industries.