Job Description

Traveling Switchman - Road & Rail Services

Location: Based in Birmingham, AL (75% Overnight Travel)
Pay: Competitive, based on experience
Job Type: Full-time

If you have rail yard experience and take pride in safety, teamwork, and keeping freight moving, Road & Rail Services wants to hear from you. We're hiring an experienced Traveling Switchman based in Birmingham, Alabama, to work at rail yards and industrial facilities throughout our network. This role involves about 75% overnight travel and hands-on outdoor work in all kinds of weather.

What You'll Do:
Each day brings something different. You'll be switching railcars, lining up trains for departure, and helping crews move freight efficiently and safely. Sometimes you'll troubleshoot a mechanical issue like a stuck hand brake or a damaged air hose. Other days you'll be coupling and uncoupling cars or helping position locomotives. You'll work outdoors, stay active, and rely on clear communication and focus to get every move right the first time.

Safety is everything in this role. Because we're regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), you'll be expected to follow every rule and signal exactly.

Who We're Looking For:
We need someone who already knows how to switch cars safely and efficiently. You must have at least two years of verifiable rail switching experience in a yard or industrial environment. A valid driver's license and high school diploma or GED are required, along with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, climb, bend, and work outdoors in all conditions. You should also be comfortable traveling up to 75% of the time.

Please note: candidates without prior switching experience will not be considered.

Why You'll Love Working Here:
Road & Rail Services offers a full benefits package-medical, dental, 401(k), paid holidays, and vacation-plus all PPE provided and an annual steel-toe boot allowance. We promote from within, and many of our Crew Leaders and Supervisors started as Switchmen. Our culture is veteran-friendly, team-oriented, and focused on doing the job safely and the right way every time.

About Road & Rail Services:
Since 1987, Road & Rail Services has been a trusted provider of rail-related operations across North America. We specialize in switching, terminal operations, and railcar maintenance for railroads, shippers, and industrial facilities. Our mission is simple: work safely, work hard, and take care of our people.

Primary Hiring Area: Birmingham, AL

We're also welcoming applicants from nearby communities within roughly 50 miles, including Hoover, Bessemer, Alabaster, Pelham, Trussville, Leeds, Gardendale, Helena, Fultondale, McCalla, Moody, Chelsea, Irondale, Center Point, and Homewood, Alabama.

If you're an experienced Switchman ready for a stable career with travel, variety, and growth potential, apply today and join the team that keeps America's freight-and your career-moving forward.