Operator -Rail Support

About the Role

Operates and maintains equipment to support rail operations, including track maintenance, signaling systems, and train dispatching. Monitors and controls train movements, communicates with train crews and maintenance personnel, and ensures compliance with safety regulations and operating procedures. Performs routine inspections, repairs, and maintenance tasks on rail equipment and infrastructure. Assists in responding to emergencies and coordinating with other departments to ensure efficient and safe rail operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain rail equipment, including locomotives, railcars, and other specialized equipment.
• Conduct regular inspections of rail equipment to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
• Perform minor repairs and maintenance on rail equipment.
• Weigh trucks on scale and enter appropriate data into computer (price, product, weight, customer name, etc.).
• Collect cash/checks and interface with company personnel and outside haulers.
• Generate bill of sale, dray tickets, and bills of lading.
• Inspect all equipment on cars prior to movement.
• Instruct locomotive operator via radio communication in coupling and uncoupling cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings (e.g., broken knuckles or air brake hoses).
• Operate switches, uncoupling levers, remote control devices, set/release hand brakes, and inspect/make minor train repairs.
• Comprehend color and/or hand signals, safety, operating rules, and communications related to switching activities and train movements.
• Receive and review directions from supervisor, lead, or clerk and discuss with locomotive engineer and other crew members.
• Perform start-up and shut-down procedures, monitor material flow, and adjust load-out settings to maximize production and ensure quality product.
• Operate machinery to load finished product into rail cars.
• Comply with all safety rules and regulations.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Travel with the train on its assigned route to protect the movement of the train.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED or an equivalent combination of training and work experience.
• Office and clerical experience, word processing, and calculator operations are preferred.
• Knowledge of rail weight regulations, capacities, and limitations is a plus.
• Proficient in operating and maintaining rail equipment, including locomotives, railcars, and other specialized equipment.
• Strong mechanical and electrical skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Able to perform switching, loading/unloading, breaking, or making up of trains.
• Able to operate hand-controlled rail switches, pneumatic air valves, manual hand-wheel brakes on railcars, high-pressure water hoses, pry bars, and shovels.
• Able to safely and efficiently operate rail load-out equipment such as conveyor belts, crushers, motors, gearboxes, and screens.
• Work outdoors and exposed to varying and/or extreme weather conditions (e.g., heat, wet, cold).
• Ability to read and understand technical manuals and schematics.
• Valid driver’s license.

Skills

• Technical Expertise: Solid mechanical understanding of mobile equipment, including basic maintenance checks and troubleshooting minor issues. Ability to identify signs of equipment malfunction and report them to the maintenance team.
• Problem Solving: Identify, analyze, and resolve work-related issues efficiently using practical knowledge, experience, and hands-on skills.
• Safety Awareness: Recognize, understand, and adhere to safety protocols; proactively identify potential hazards and mitigate risks.
• Collaboration: Work effectively with others to achieve common goals through teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect.
• Adaptability: Adjust to new conditions, challenges, or changes in the work environment; remain flexible and resilient.

Physical Demands

• Work in high and/or precarious places or cramped workspaces requiring awkward positions.
• Able to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods.
• Grip, climb, reach, shovel, squat, crawl, pull, push, bend, and lift up to 45 pounds.
• Speak, read, and have a working knowledge of the English language.