Lake Charles- Operator Helper (Rail)

Railserve, Inc.; Sulphur (LA); On-site; USD 63,038,976 - 71,635,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

Company 401(k) with match

Safety shoe reimbursement

Life insurance

Holiday pay

Vacation

Job summary

Railserve, Inc. in Sulphur, LA is seeking dependable Rail Switching Technicians to support daily operations in an active industrial rail yard.

This full-time, FRA-regulated role involves operating locomotives, performing railcar switching, and maintaining safety procedures, with outdoor work in varying weather.

Railserve offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, plus opportunities for advancement within the company.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license required.
• FRA-regulated position.
• Reliable transportation 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Follow company operating procedures and safety requirements.
• Perform additional operational duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

## Lake Charles- Operator Helper (Rail)Applylocations: Sulphur, LAtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 2 Days Agotime left to apply: End Date: September 1, 2026 (30+ days left to apply)job requisition id: JR0000029770RailserveAs a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’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 in Lake Charles, LA 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. This is an FRA-regulated position. A valid driver's license is required for employment.**Who We Are**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. Learn more at Railserve.com.**Job Description**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.**Schedule**• Schedule determined by operational needs • Overtime may be required**Compensation**$22.00 – $25.00 per hour based on experience**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 • Valid driver's license required • This position is regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) • 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)**Railserve is committed to being an Employer of Choice, offering competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package:• 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, customer, and FRA 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.#LI-DNIFollowing receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to [e-mail], and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.