Equipment Operator/Laborer

keystonerailrecovery; Chicago Heights (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Keystone Rail Recovery in Chicago Heights, IL, is seeking an Equipment Operator / Laborer to support yard operations and railroad material recovery. The role involves operating heavy equipment, loading materials, cutting and drilling rail, and ensuring safety and efficiency in a rail yard setting.

Ideal candidates will be able to read tape measures, follow detailed instructions, and work outdoors in varying weather. Training will cover rail processing alongside existing yard responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment is preferred.
• Experience in railroad, construction, manufacturing, metalworking, or industrial environments is a plus.
• Ability to read a tape measure and follow detailed instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work safely around heavy equipment, railcars, trucks, and railroad materials.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment and yard equipment safely and efficiently to move railroad materials throughout the yard.
• Load and unload railroad materials onto trucks, railcars, and designated storage areas.
• Move and position rail, including rail sections up to approximately 40 feet in length.
• Assist with laying out and preparing rail for processing.
• Measure and mark rail to specified lengths and assist with cutting rail using an oxy-acetylene torch or similar equipment.
• Drill rail sections according to customer or job specifications.
• Assist with loading rail and other railroad materials into gondola cars and trucks.
• Palletize, organize, and prepare processed materials for shipment.
• Inspect equipment before and after use and report any maintenance or safety concerns.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable job-site requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support yard and rail recovery operations.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Railroad environment

Tape measure reading

Safety-conscious

Independence and teamwork

Tools

Torch cutting

Drilling

Metalworking equipment

Job description

Keystone Rail Recovery is seeking a reliable, hardworking, and safety-focused Equipment Operator / Laborer to join our team in the Chicago Heights, IL area. This position will support railroad material recovery and processing operations in a rail yard environment.

The ideal candidate will have experience operating heavy equipment and be willing to learn the rail processing side of the operation, including measuring, cutting, drilling, organizing, and preparing railroad materials for shipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment and yard equipment safely and efficiently to move railroad materials throughout the yard.
• Load and unload railroad materials onto trucks, railcars, and designated storage areas.
• Move and position rail, including rail sections up to approximately 40 feet in length.
• Assist with laying out and preparing rail for processing.
• Measure and mark rail to specified lengths and assist with cutting rail using an oxy-acetylene torch or similar equipment.
• Drill rail sections according to customer or job specifications.
• Assist with loading rail and other railroad materials into gondola cars and trucks.
• Palletize, organize, and prepare processed materials for shipment.
• Inspect equipment before and after use and report any maintenance or safety concerns.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable job-site requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support yard and rail recovery operations.

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating heavy equipment is preferred.
• Experience in railroad, construction, manufacturing, metalworking, or industrial environments is a plus.
• Experience with torch cutting, drilling, or other metalworking equipment is preferred but not required.
• Ability to read a tape measure and follow detailed instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work safely around heavy equipment, railcars, trucks, and railroad materials.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and willing to learn new skills.
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, and move heavy materials weighing 50+ pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and perform physical labor for extended periods.
• Ability to work in an industrial rail yard environment and varying temperatures and weather conditions.
• Ability to safely perform tasks around heavy equipment and railroad materials.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Paid time off