Lot Attendant / Auto Handler (Full-Time)

Hansen's; Cottage Grove (MN); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly pay rate $20.91

Paid Holidays

Sick and Safety Leave

Employee Quarterly 50/50 Charity &

Job summary

Hansen America Inc. (HAI) is seeking a Lot Attendant / Auto Handler to perform vehicle handling and railcar loading/unloading at our automotive shipping facility in Cottage Grove, MN. This full-time role supports OEM customers and secondary markets with safety‑driven processes.

The position involves climbing, lifting up to 45 lbs, working outdoors, and following established safety protocols. You will inspect and secure vehicles, coordinate with teammates, and manage movement of 20–50 railcars

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Clear Criminal Record Required.
• Ability to speak English clearly to communicate with coworkers and vendors.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Railcar access, door operation, and bridge plate handling.
• Vehicle inspection for damage and discrepancies.
• Load and unload vehicles from multi‑level railcars.
• Securement of vehicles with wheel chocks, locks and restraints.
• Move within and around railcars and yard using safe procedures.
• Operate ramp equipment for loading/unloading as trained.
• Assist with general yard operations and follow PPE requirements.

Skills

English communication

Job description

Lot Attendant / Auto Handler (Full-Time)

• Position #: 404

Hansen America Inc. HAI is part of the Hansen's Group of Companies. Hansen America Inc. is contracted to provide comprehensive facility management respecting and protecting Canadian Pacific's (our customer) interests including direct services and indirect activities sourced by CPKC.

Hansen America Inc. direct responsibility is to manage resources effectively and efficiently to provide professional vehicle automotive handling services including offload, load, release, arrive, handle and administrate the flow of vehicles for several OEM customers and secondary market customers.

Hansen's Group of Companies is committed to promoting and maintaining employment equity and welcomes applications from indigenous peoples, women, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities, in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, we encourage you to self-identify during your application for employment.

We are contracted to provide services at standards not less than compliant to AAR established guidelines. We actively participate and engage to lead the industry in exceeding and evolving standards within the quality/safety beyond compliance. We offer:

• Hourly Pay Rate: $20.91


• Paid Holidays


• Sick and Safety Leave


• Employee Quarterly 50/50 Charity & Bonus Draws

Summary:

The Auto Handler position is responsible for performing all aspects of vehicle handling and railcar loading/unloading operations within an automotive shipping facility in a safe, efficient, and consistent manner. Work is performed in a team environment with variable daily volumes, which may include unloading approximately 20-50 railcars per shift.

This role involves the movement, securement, inspection, and documentation of new vehicles, as well as accessing multi-level railcars and working in accordance with established safety procedures and standard operating protocols.

Auto Handlers are required to operate within a dynamic outdoor work environment and perform physically demanding tasks including climbing, lifting, carrying, and working at heights. The position requires strict adherence to safety procedures related to railcar access, fall protection, and material handling.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Job tasks performed by an Auto Handler may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Railcar Access, Door Operation, and Bridge Plate Handling

• Perform "Bridge Plate Handling," which involves transporting and installing bridge plates at each railcar junction in preparation for loading and unloading operations


• Open, secure, and close railcar end doors to gain access to vehicle decks


• Install, reposition, and remove bridge plates between railcars as required


• If second deck bridge plates cannot be safely reached from the first deck level (e.g., overhead reach exceeds approximately 6 feet), the worker must access the second deck using fall protection rather than overreaching.


• Coordinate with team members when performing bridge plate handling (two-person lifts)


• Maintain proper footing, awareness of pinch points, and safe positioning when working at heights

2. Vehicle Inspection

• Conduct visual inspections of vehicles following railcar access and prior to unloading or release.


• Identify and assess vehicle damage, defects, or discrepancies.


• Inspections are performed in confined spaces between the railcar wall and vehicle, with clearance as narrow as approximately 8 inches.


• Document findings accurately using handheld scanning or recording devices.


• Maintain attention to detail while working within confined railcar environments.

3. Vehicle Loading and Unloading

• Load and unload vehicles from multi-level railcars using designated ramps and access points.


• Safely drive vehicles on and off railcars while maintaining control and spatial awareness.


• Ensure proper vehicle positioning within railcars to prevent damage and optimize space.


• Follow established procedures for safe entry and exit of railcars.


• Operate mobile loading ramp equipment to facilitate vehicle loading and unloading, where trained and authorized to do so.


• Conduct visual checks of ramp positioning and ensure safe access prior to use.


• Maintain awareness of pedestrian and vehicle traffic during ramp operation.

4. Vehicle Securement and Release

• Install and remove wheel chocks, locks, and restraints on vehicles.


• Perform tasks on multiple railcar levels, including upper (\"B\") deck and (\"C\") deck if applicable.


• Maintain safe positioning when working near open railcar doors and edges.


• Follow controlled door procedures to reduce fall risk while working at heights confirming end doors are fully opened with door pins locked into position.

5. Railcar Movement and Navigation

• Access and exit railcars using ladders or approved access methods where applicable.


• Maintain three points of contact when climbing or transitioning between levels.


• Navigate between coupled railcars using installed bridge plates.


• Identify appropriate handholds and ensure safe footing prior to movement.

6. Vehicle Movement Within Facility

• Shuttle vehicles within the yard or facility as required.


• Operate vehicles in tight spaces and around other equipment or personnel.


• Maintain awareness of surroundings, including pedestrians and moving equipment.

7. General Yard and Operational Support

• Assist with general yard operations and workflow as required.


• Work collaboratively with team members, including spotters, when required for safety.


• Adhere to all company safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements.


• Perform tasks in varying environmental conditions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE :

Must have a valid driver's license.

• Clear Criminal Record Required.


• Ability to speak English in a clear and concise manner to communicate with coworkers, supervisors, and vendors.


• Qualified Applicants must be legally authorized for employment in the United States and will not require employer-sponsored work authorization now or in the future for employment.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to climb ladders and work at heights of up to approx. 14 feet.


• Able to work within confined spaces as small as 5 feet high.


• Able to work outside daily in all types of weather conditions.


• During winter months (temperatures below 0°C): wear ice cleats for traction.


• Able to stand and walk for long periods of time.


• Able to work extended shifts (overtime) and weekends.


• Able to operate a handheld computing device.


• Able to lift up to 45 lbs.


• Able to wear PPE (Safety Boots, Safety Vest, Glasses, Fall Protection, Gloves).


• Shift Rotation: 6 days per week up to 7 Days per week (volume dependent).


• Break Schedule: 2 x 15 minute and 1 x 30 minute per shift.


• Occasional Overtime as required.


• Outdoor Compound with vehicles.


• Exposure to extreme temperatures.


• Proximity to equipment.


• Exposure to vibration and sound (< 80 decibels).


• Exposure to chemicals.


• Working at heights.

Artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision-making tools are not used in the screening or selection process for this position. All applications are reviewed by qualified hiring personnel.