Engineering & Project Assistant

Position Summary

This role provides hands‑on exposure to railroad operations and construction project closeout activities. The position is designed for a recent college graduate or current student interested in railroad operations, engineering, construction management, or infrastructure projects.

The role splits time approximately 50% supporting train operations and field crews and 50% assisting with construction project closeout and field engineering tasks. This position is learning‑focused and works under the guidance of experienced Trainmasters, Engineers, and Project Managers.

Essential Responsibilities

Train Operations Support (Approximately 50%)

• Shadow Trainmasters and supervisors during daily railroad operations
• Assist with field observations of train movements, yard operations, and crew activities
• Support safety and compliance efforts by:
• Observing job briefings
• Participating in safety walks and audits
• Assisting with documentation and reporting
• Help track operational data, logs, and field reports
• Learn and follow railroad operating rules, safety standards, and regulatory requirements
• Support communication between crews, supervisors, and operations teams
• Participate in training activities related to railroad operations and field safety
  
  

Note: This role does not have direct supervisory authority over crews.

Field Engineering & Project Closeout Support (Approximately 50%)

• Assist Senior Construction Manager with construction site activities
• Support project closeout tasks, including:
• Tracking punch list items
• Organizing closeout documentation
• Collecting field photos and records
• Help verify completed work against plans and specifications under supervision
• Assist with field measurements and basic quantity tracking
• Support preparation of:
• As‑built documents
• Inspection logs
• Final project checklists
• Participate in site walks and final inspections with project teams
• Help ensure projects are ready for turnover to operations teams
  
  

Learning Objectives

• Gain hands‑on exposure to railroad operations and infrastructure projects
• Understand how construction projects transition from execution to operational use
• Learn how safety, compliance, engineering, and operations work together in the field
• Develop foundational skills in field documentation, coordination, and reporting
• Build professional communication skills working with crews, contractors, and leaders
  
  

Other Duties

• Performs other duties and projects assigned.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

N/A

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technical and operational concepts in a field environment
• Strong attention to detail and ability to observe, document, and follow procedures accurately
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to ask questions and seek clarification
• Ability to work safely and professionally in active railroad and construction site environments
• Dependable work habits, including punctuality, organization, adaptability, and receptiveness to feedback
  
  

Qualifications & Competencies

• Currently pursuing or recently completed an undergraduate college degree
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and apply new concepts in a hands‑on, field environment
• Strong attention to detail and ability to observe, document, and follow procedures accurately
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, email, PDFs)
• Professional, reliable, and adaptable work style with the ability to operate safely in active railroad and construction environments
  
  

Preferred Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Previous internship experience in operational role
  
  

Preferred Certifications And Licenses

N/A

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position works in a hybrid field and office environment, with most time spent supporting railroad operations and active construction project sites. The role regularly involves working outdoors alongside operating crews, engineers, and contractors to observe field activities, support project closeout tasks, and participate in site walks and inspections.

TRAVEL

N/A

Compensation

WAGES

Estimated Starting Hourly Pay: $27.00

This is a short-term temporary role. The position is eligible for overtime.

Benefits

N/A

Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements

% of Work Time

Must have the ability to remain in a seated position

30%

Speak and hear clearly

100%

Must have the ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

25%

Walk, stoop, kneel, bend and reach in field and construction environments

80%

Dexterity to use basic tools or equipment

30%

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Requests for accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.