Switch Operator

About the company

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC, is a recognized leader in providing sustainability solutions, with three divisions providing industry-leading services. With a mission to innovate solutions to meet clients' sustainability goals, VLS has over 1,200 employees in 40+ locations across North America.

• Waste Services – Customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion, sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration.
• Railcar Services – Specialty cleaning services for difficult-to-clean products (chemicals, hardened materials, pressurized gases) and comprehensive repair services for certified full-service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance.
• Marine Services – State-of-the-art barge cleaning, repair, and gas-free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products.

About the role

Switch operator is responsible for the safe movement of railcars within the facility. This role is essential to minimize personal injury and property damage. A switch operator performs daily switching operations for all departments in the shop and communicates with Department Supervisors, the Locomotive Operator, and other Switch Operators.

Responsibilities

• Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone.
• Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists.
• Assist with maintaining documentation of rail car placement.
• Assist to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches.
• Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety.
• Operate locomotive equipment.
• Properly line switches for railcar movement.
• Operate railcar equipment such as air hoses and handbrakes.
• Comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems.
• Quickly and repeatedly make precise adjustments in moving the controls of a machine or vehicle to exact positions.
• Quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to visual symbols, signals, and displays (sound, light, picture, etc).
• Communicate clearly, listen, and understand information through spoken words and sentences to ensure full comprehension of job duties, safety regulations, and other situations requiring an immediate response.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to read and write in English.
• 1 year experience in railcar switching is preferred.
• Ability to define problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Able to use a two-way radio.

Physical demands & work conditions

• Must pass a pre-employment background check, physical, and drug screening.
• Able to stand for long periods of time with limited breaks.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Work in extreme temperatures and elements for an extended period of time.
• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk or hear, and smell.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces.
• Must be able to work at elevated heights.
• May encounter fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; risk of radiation and vibration.
• Work near moving mechanical parts and in a loud environment.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Benefits

Physical and Mental Wellbeing:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Various high-quality, low-premium plans, including concierge service (available in Spanish) and 2nd MD offering.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) – Set aside pre-tax money for healthcare spending; VLS provides an employer contribution to all HSA accounts.
• Time Off – 11 company-paid holidays, in addition to paid time off and voluntary time off plans.
• Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 confidential assistance and counseling services for employees and dependents.
• Telemedicine – Free virtual visits by licensed practitioners for employees and dependents, available anytime, including holidays.

Financial and Retirement Planning:

• 401(k) – Generous matching program after 90 days of employment; VLS matches up to 5% of pay every pay period (100% vested immediately).
• Life and Disability Insurance – Employer-paid life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability coverage for full-time employees.
• Voluntary Life Protection Plans – Optional coverage for employees and dependents (critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident plans).
• Rewards and Recognition Programs – Celebrates employee milestones, achievements, birthdays, and anniversaries.
• Financial Planning – Free one-on-one sessions with a certified Financial Planner/Coach.
• Employee Discount Program – Savings on everyday goods and services at various US retailers.