Rail Switching Technician
procorLake Charles, LA
Rail Switching TechnicianAs a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdingswhich is backed by Berkshire Hathawayyou'll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We're committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone's empowered to be their best.
Railserve is hiring dependable and safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians to support daily rail switching operations within an industrial rail environment. This is a full-time, hands-on role critical to the safe movement, placement, and switching of railcars that support customer operations and production schedules.
Railserve is a leading provider of industrial railyard services across the United States and Canada. Our teams deliver on-site rail switching, material handling and transloading, track construction and maintenance, and locomotive service and repair for customers who depend on safe, reliable rail operations every day. With decades of industry experience, Railserve is built on a foundation of safety, teamwork, and operational excellence. We invest in our people, promote from within, and use innovative, safety-focused technology to keep railyards running efficiently.
Rail Switching Technicians are responsible for safely operating locomotives and rail equipment while coordinating railcar movement throughout an industrial facility. This role supports the timely and accurate switching, placement, and movement of railcars while maintaining compliance with company safety procedures and customer operating requirements.
Employees work in active industrial rail yard environments around locomotives, railcars, heavy equipment, and moving machinery. Daily responsibilities include operating switches and brakes, coupling and uncoupling railcars, inspecting equipment, and communicating movement instructions with crews and site leadership.
The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-focused, mechanically inclined, and comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Strong attendance, communication skills, and a commitment to safety are critical for success in this role.
Railserve promotes from within and provides opportunities for advancement into Crew Leader, Site Leadership, and other skilled rail operations positions.
Duties:
Operate locomotives and rail equipment safely and efficiently
Perform railcar switching and placement according to operational schedules
Interpret train orders, signals, and operating procedures
Inspect locomotives prior to operation
Operate hand and ground throw switches, derails, and gates
Control equipment movement using radio communication, hand signals, and lanterns
Couple and uncouple railcars and connect air hoses
Apply and release hand brakes to secure equipment
Observe tracks and surroundings for safety hazards or obstructions
Handle train equipment safely using independent and automatic brakes
Assist in training new employees as needed
Complete reports related to delays, incidents, or operational activity
Lubricate and inspect locomotive components as required
Wear required personal protective equipment at all times
Follow company operating procedures and safety requirements
Perform additional operational duties as assigned
Job Requirements:
High school diploma or GED required
Reliable transportation required
Strong attendance and dependability required
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
Ability to walk on uneven terrain and climb on rail equipment
Ability to lift, carry, and handle heavy equipment and materials
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities safely and effectively
Strong attention to detail and situational awareness
Ability to follow safety rules, operating procedures, and instructions
Ability to participate in Railserve's pre-employment screening process
Military experience is a plus
What We Offer (Benefits):
Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
Company-paid employee and dependent life insurance
Company-paid sickness and accident income
401(k) with company match
Annual safety shoe reimbursement
Prescription safety wear
Holiday pay
Vacation
Marmon employee discount program
Additional Information:
Outdoor industrial rail yard environment
Exposure to locomotives, railcars, moving machinery, noise, dust, and varying weather conditions
Moderate to heavy physical labor required
Frequent walking, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, and lifting
Required use of personal protective equipment
Safety-sensitive position requiring strict compliance with company and customer safety procedures
Grow With Us:
Don't worry if you don't meet every qualification. Railserve values reliability, work ethic, and a willingness to learn. Our tools, technology, and processes continue to evolve, and we invest in training and developing our people for long-term success.
Railserve provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. We recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
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Level
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Location
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