Job Description

A track laborer's job consists of repairing and rebuilding railroad track, using hand tools to do so. Specific duties will include, but are not limited to, removing and replacing ties, pulling and driving spikes, shoveling rock ballast, loading and unloading equipment and material, and various other tasks, as assigned.

Accountabilities

OBSERVE THE CONDITION OF TRACK, TRACKBED, AND TRACK RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR PROBLEMS OR DEFECTS. Make quick visual inspections for broken rails, defective switches and signals, deteriorating track bed, track obstructions and weather related problems; check switch points; observe right-of-way and passing trains for shifted loads and spillage
PERFORM TRACK MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND INSTALLATION. Drive spikes into ties with a spike maul; pull spikes with claw bar; install and remove rail anchors; slide, place, and align tie plates under rails; cut in new rails; plug old spike holes; with assistance, lift rails using manual track jack; sweep off ballast /rock from track and switches
PRACTICE SAFE WORK HABITS. Understand and follow company and industry safety rules, practices, and procedures, wear prescribed safety apparel; take appropriate action when conditions threaten safety of self or coworkers; ensure equipment and work area are in safe operating condition before starting work; monitor for emergency situations by identifying visual signals and warning sounds
MAINTAIN TRACKBED. Remove and replace ballast; tamp ballast; unload or assist in unloading ballast from ballast cars
WORK WITH EQUIPMENT. Safely and effectively operate the following: an air hammer to drive spikes; air or gas powered wrenches to loosen or tighten track bolts; rail drill to drill holes in rail; portable abrasive rail saw to cut rails
HANDLE AND MOVE TRACK MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors and/or customers and effectively handle conflict situations
Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

Qualifications

Required

Ability to speak English in a clear, concise manner to communicate with coworker(s) and supervisor(s)
Able to read and comprehend regulations and instructions in English, as well as possess good oral communication skills
Candidates for this position must pass a pre-employment test in English before being allowed to interview. The number of candidates who pass the test and are granted an interview is based upon hiring needs. If you have taken this test for any of the jobs listed here and failed within the last six months, you will not be eligible to apply for this position. Click here to see a sample of the Workplace Practices Test.
Candidates must qualify on a Physical Ability Test (PAT) prior to employment. Click here for a description of the Physical Abilities Test

Preferred

Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
Experience of one year or more in Railroad Maintenance of Way work
Experience in welding
Experience operating construction or farm equipment

Physical Requirements

Able to make frequent coordinated hand movements to grasp, place, or move objects
Able to occasionally lift and carry objects weighing up to 65 lbs
Able to occasionally push and pull objects weighing up to 119 lbs
Able to frequently walk on a variety of surfaces, including ballast
Able to occasionally climb to access truck storage
Able to frequently maintain balance to complete work
Able to occasionally bend, stoop, and kneel
Able to remain standing for more than one-half of every work day with an opportunity to periodically change position for comfort

Work Conditions

18 years of age or older
Agree to wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection where the company requires
Work Conditions: Forty-hour work weeks that may include variable shifts with overtime and work on rest days; holidays and weekends
Work Conditions: Opportunities exist for consideration for advancement to positions such as machine operator, foreman, supervisor, and train service
Travel Requirements: as needed
Able to provide your own transportation
Authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship
Compliance with the applicable attendance policy is an essential function of this position
Must be willing and able to work around large equipment such as railcars, locomotives and cranes
Willingness to practice safe work habits
Apply only to those locations where you are prepared to live and work
No formal discipline in the past two years
Willingness to work outside regardless of weather conditions
To the extent required by federal law and/or collective bargaining agreement, membership to the respective labor union is required. The union agreement dictates the pay rate and cannot be individually negotiated. Monthly dues are the responsibility of the employee.