Starting Pay: $21.00 per hour
Road & Rail Services is seeking a dependable, safety-focused Railroad Switchman to join our operations team. This is a hands-on railroad position responsible for helping safely switch, spot, organize, and move railcars using locomotive power.
As a Switchman, you will work closely with other members of the rail crew to coordinate movements and ensure railcars are placed in the correct locations. This position requires excellent situational awareness, clear communication, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to follow railroad operating procedures consistently.
Railroad switching is active outdoor work. Candidates must be comfortable working around locomotives, moving railcars, tracks, switches, and heavy equipment in changing weather conditions.
As a Railroad Switchman, you will:
Safely switch, spot, and position railcars throughout the facility
Build trains and prepare cuts of railcars for movement
Deliver cuts of cars to Class I and Short Line railroad connections as required
Couple and uncouple railcars during switching operations
Operate manual switches, derails, and other track-related equipment
Apply and release railcar hand brakes
Judge railcar speed, track distance, and clearance points during movements
Communicate instructions using radios, approved hand signals, verbal communication, and written instructions
Assist with minor railcar repairs, including replacing air hoses and knuckles when necessary
Operate a backhoe as required by the operation
Inspect work areas and equipment for potential safety concerns
Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment problems, or operational concerns
Perform general maintenance and housekeeping duties as assigned
Follow all company, customer, industry, and railroad safety procedures
Properly wear and maintain required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Successful Switchmen must be able to remain alert and make safe decisions while working around moving railroad equipment.
Qualified candidates should have:
Ability to meet applicable requirements of 49 CFR Part 240, Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers
Mechanical aptitude necessary to successfully perform assigned railroad duties
Ability to operate a backhoe
Valid state-issued driver's license
Strong safety awareness and situational judgment
Ability to understand and follow railroad operating procedures
Ability to communicate effectively with locomotive operators, crew members, and supervision
Ability to work independently when required
Ability to work effectively as part of a rail crew
Dependable attendance and punctuality
Willingness to learn additional railroad operating responsibilities
This position operates in an active railroad environment and requires employees to work outdoors throughout the year.
Candidates must be prepared to work in heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, dust, noise, and other changing conditions.
The position requires frequent walking over railroad ballast and other uneven surfaces, along with bending, twisting, reaching, climbing, standing, and other physical movements throughout the shift.
Employees must be available for a flexible work schedule, including weekends and on-call assignments, based on operational requirements.
All required PPE must be properly worn while performing assigned work.
Starting Pay: $21.00 per hour
Road & Rail Services offers eligible full-time employees:
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
401(k) retirement plan
Paid holidays
Paid vacation
Annual steel-toe boot allowance
Company-provided PPE
Yearly safety bonus opportunities
Training and development opportunities
Opportunities for advancement
Veteran-friendly workplace
Promote-from-within culture
Established in 1987, Road & Rail Services has grown into a leading provider of rail-related services throughout North America. Our experienced teams provide plant and terminal operating services along with field maintenance of rail assets for railroads, rail shippers, and owners of rail-related equipment and facilities.
If you have strong mechanical aptitude, take safety seriously, and are ready for a hands-on career working directly with railcars, locomotives, and railroad switching operations, apply today to join Road & Rail Services as a Railroad Switchman.
Road & Rail Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Road & Rail Services is a recognized industry leader and a top-tier provider of rail related services to railroads, to rail shippers, and to railcar owners. With a reputation for excellence, the Company provides service solutions with competencies in train operations (railcar switching and shortline operations), in maintenance operations (rolling stock, infrastructure, and track assets), and product handling. Road & Rail Services has operations in 18 states and has a significant impact on the North American rail network, as recognized by numerous industry awards. The Company enhances operating velocity and asset condition within the automotive, aggregate, coal / utility, intermodal, paper, and steel / metals industries.
