Job Description

Primary Purpose:  

Performs physical labor using hand tools and equipment to construct, alter, repair, maintain, and demolish railroad tracks, associated structures, and components.  Works as a member of a local Line Maintenance crew. 

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Line Maintenance Track Laborer       

Principal Duties:

Carry and place track materials using hand tools such as tie tongs, rail tongs, rail forks, lining bars, shovels, and jacks.
Attach the rail to ties using spike mauls or spike drivers.
Remove spikes with claw bars, spike lifters, and spike pullers.
Lift, position, handle, remove and install railroad crossties in and around the track structure.
Connect and disconnect rail using the track, impact, power wrenches, or welding materials.
Move, clean, and tamp ballast (crushed stone-like material) with shovels, tamping picks, clay picks, lining bars, and ballast forks.
Raise tracks, turnouts, crossings, and rails with track or power jacks.
Cut associated materials with oxygen-acetylene torches, rail saws, cut-off saws, and cold chisels.
Drill holes with gasoline, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric drill motors.
Work alongside heavy equipment by connecting, disconnecting, and controlling material that is being moved and by directing such movement.
Participate in safety meetings.
Wear all appropriate personal protective equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must have either a High School Diploma or GED
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Must have a valid Driver’s License
Capable of lifting and carrying a minimum of 75 pounds.
Willing and able to travel to various job sites, including those that require overnight stays and those that require short notice mobilization.
Capable of working in inclement weather and/or conditions.
Capable of covering distances afoot of one quarter (1/4) to two (2) miles per day, on railroad right of way, negotiating steep grades and rough terrain, without assistance.
Capable of working unsupervised at times.

Skills and Abilities:

Interact effectively as a crew member.
Understand and follow verbal and visual communications.
Understand and respond to audible and visual signals and warnings.
Quickly learn and perform job duties.
Recognize, avoid, and report potential hazards.