Tamper Operator

Business Profile

Business Profile Capital Railroad Contracting, Inc. is a premier railroad construction and maintenance contractor specializing in the construction, rehabilitation, repair, and maintenance of rail infrastructure throughout the Midwest. Since 1987, the company has delivered high-quality rail services to freight railroads, industrial facilities, ports, logistics hubs, and transportation customers, building a reputation for safety, reliability, and operational excellence.

Employer Value Proposition

Industry Leader in Rail Infrastructure: Capital Railroad Contracting has been delivering safe, reliable railroad construction, maintenance, and emergency response services since 1987, supporting freight railroads, ports, industrial facilities, and logistics operations throughout the Midwest.

Strong Career Growth & Safety Culture: Employees benefit from competitive pay, overtime opportunities, paid training, travel incentives, and career advancement within a team-oriented environment focused on safety, accountability, and professional development.

Recruitment Scope of Work

Search Process Project Plan Draft Submission July 9th
Kick-off meeting July 10th
Steering call set for July 23rd
Interview Process 1st Stage – Hiring Manager Face to Face
2nd Stage – TBD

Job Location & Travel Requirements

Department: Operations
Job Location: Midwest Region
(On the Road – Company Vehicle Provided)
Travel: Extensive travel required throughout active railroad project locations. Company truck provided. Primarily in St. Louis. Wide Travel Requirements.
Reports To: Operations Manager / Superintendent

Reason for Hire

This position is critical to supporting Capital Railroad Contracting's ongoing railroad construction and maintenance operations across Class I railroads and industrial rail systems. The Tamper Operator will play a key role in operating and maintaining production tamping equipment to ensure track quality, alignment, and safety standards are achieved throughout active rail projects.

Position Summary

The Tamper Operator is responsible for operating a Jackson 6700 tamper and performing general maintenance activities to ensure equipment reliability and performance. This role supports railroad construction and maintenance projects by performing tamping activities on both Class I railroad track and industrial rail systems. The Tamper Operator will work closely with field crews to maintain track quality while ensuring equipment is operated safely and efficiently.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Tamper Operations
  - Operate a Jackson 6700 tamper safely and efficiently
  - Perform tamping activities on Class I railroad track
  - Perform tamping activities on industrial railroad track
  - Ensure track maintenance work is completed according to company and customer standards
• Equipment Maintenance
  - Perform general maintenance on assigned tamping equipment
  - Conduct routine inspections to ensure equipment reliability
  - Identify operating issues and report maintenance concerns
  - Assist with preventative maintenance activities as needed
• Safety, Compliance & Quality
  - Follow all company safety policies and railroad operating procedures
  - Operate equipment safely in active railroad environments
  - Maintain compliance with customer and regulatory requirements
  - Participate in safety meetings and training programs
• Documentation & Reporting
  - Complete daily equipment and operational reports
  - Report equipment performance issues to supervisors
  - Maintain accurate maintenance and operational records
  - Assist with project documentation requirements
• Team Collaboration
  - Work closely with railroad maintenance crews and supervisors
  - Support track maintenance and construction activities
  - Coordinate effectively with field personnel to meet project schedules
  - Maintain a professional and safety-focused work environment

Experience & Skills

• Previous experience operating railroad tamping equipment preferred
• Minimum 1 year of equipment operating experience preferred
• Experience working on Class I railroad track preferred
• Experience performing basic equipment maintenance
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Willingness to travel extensively as required by project assignments
• Valid Driver's License required
• Railroad Tamping Operations
  - Jackson 6700 Tamper Operation
• Track Maintenance Activities
• Equipment Inspection & Maintenance
• Mechanical Troubleshooting
• Railroad Safety Compliance
• Communication & Teamwork
• Time Management & Productivity

Critical Competencies

• Safety Awareness – Demonstrates commitment to safe work practices in active railroad environments
• Mechanical Aptitude – Understands equipment operation and maintenance requirements
• Attention to Detail – Maintains track quality and operational accuracy
• Dependability – Consistently supports project schedules and field operations
• Problem-Solving – Identifies equipment concerns and operational challenges quickly
• Adaptability – Performs effectively in changing project and environmental conditions
• Team Collaboration – Works effectively with supervisors and railroad maintenance crews

Compensation

Pay: $35-40 /HR
Time: ½ Overtime - Compensation tied to experience
PTO: 2 weeks, paid holidays, sick time, medical, dental, vision, life insurances, wellness program, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement