Machine Operator 1 - SPS

Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc.; Valdosta (GA); On-site; USD 41,600 - 56,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc. in Valdosta, Georgia is hiring a Machine Operator 1 responsible for operating and maintaining railway maintenance equipment. The position entails conducting inspections, performing repairs, and completing essential reports.

The ideal candidate should possess 2+ years of technical skills and a background in operating heavy machinery, demonstrating a safety-focused attitude. Benefits include comprehensive insurance packages and a generous 401(k) plan with employer match.

Qualifications

• 2+ years demonstrating technical skills in mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic operations.
• Experience with heavy equipment operation including Backhoe and Excavator.
• Valid Driver’s License and Railroad Certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and repair railway maintenance equipment.
• Conduct machine inspections and communicate issues with supervisors.
• Complete daily reporting and documentation related to equipment operation.

Skills

Mechanical skills

Electrical skills

Hydraulic skills

Communication

Data systems knowledge

Tools

Computer technology

Heavy equipment operation

Job description

Job Title

Machine Operator 1

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Department

Operations

Reports to

Assistant Manager, Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent

Job Overview

Machine Operator 1 (MO1) is a field‑based position responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing company railway maintenance and inspection equipment. The role may involve operating Loram’s on‑track MOW equipment and/or on‑track vehicles with supervision in both operating and travel modes. Assignments may vary with equipment platforms based on business needs and demands.

Essential Job Functions

Safety Focused

• Lead a comprehensive and appropriate job briefing during operation shifts, maintenance shifts, and maintenance tasks.
• Consistently follow safe work processes, procedures, and rules.
• Understand on‑track safety and be able to explain specifics when asked.
• Locate and demonstrate correct operation of all emergency equipment.

Machine Operations and Technical Knowledge

• Conduct machine inspections to identify problems, defects, changes, and hazards; communicate conditions to the operator or supervisor and perform common repairs as instructed. Provide accurate feedback that allows machine leadership to make maintenance decisions.
• Accurately record and report common parts used to supervisors, including floor stock.
• Perform maintenance and repairs according to set schedules and policies.
• Accurately describe gauge and HMI functions as they relate to machine operation.
• Document and complete daily field reporting, personal expense reporting, field lodging, and other administrative reporting as necessary.

Behavioral Competencies

• Safety Awareness
• Values Based
• Learning on the Fly
• Action Oriented
• Listening
• Personal Learning

Experience

Internal: 3+ months working with Loram equipment or equivalent in a 24/7 environment; some assignments require excavator experience. Meet all relevant or applicable pre‑qualifications as noted in the general description for this role and Loram’s career development matrix.

External: 2+ years demonstrating technical skills such as mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and machine operations; 2+ years demonstrating ability to learn, communicate verbally and in writing and adopt best practices.

Licenses and Certifications

Maintain Railroad Certifications, CPR/First Aid, and a valid Driver’s License.

Slots – Additional Requirements

• 1+ year experience as a heavy equipment operator (Backhoe, Excavator, or alike).
• Heavy maintenance/construction equipment maintenance experience.
• Basic administration computer skills.
• Working knowledge of data systems and remote equipment operations (cellar or tethered).
• Minimum of 1 year computer or technology background.
• 1 year of working knowledge with MS Windows.
• Preferred radiation experience.
• Commercial Driver’s License or ability to obtain a Class B.

Pre‑Employment Requirements

• Successful completion of a pre‑employment physical examination and role‑specific assessments (DOT Physical Exam, Regulated (DOT) DS/BAT, Human Performance Evaluation, Audiogram).
• Successful completion of an eVerifile/eRailSafe background check as required by Loram’s railroad customers; ongoing eligibility is subject to compliance with eRailSafe standards.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license; a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check will be conducted upon hire and annually thereafter.
• Successful passage of a pre‑employment drug and alcohol test.

Working Conditions

• 100% travel, including international, using any method of transportation.
• Apply high levels of cognitive, analytical, retention and reasoning.
• Excellent communication skills used within any social context.
• Ability to stand, sit, walk, reach, balance, stoop, kneel, hear, taste and smell.
• Ability to see close and at a distance, distinguish colors, and use peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Tolerate variable and sometimes extreme physical conditions during visits or inspections of company equipment in a railroad environment.

Compensation

Pay range: $41,600 – $56,300. Certain positions may be eligible for an annual bonus and paid time off in addition to base compensation. Starting pay is $20.00 – $21.00 per hour.

Benefits

Comprehensive package with company‑sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options; wellness programs; basic life and AD&D insurance; voluntary life insurance; company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability coverage; 401(k) retirement plan including a 150% employer match up to the first 6% you contribute; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); behavioral health support; leaves of absence; tuition reimbursement; payroll charity contributions; adoption assistance; and optional plans such as legal, critical illness, and hospitalization.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Loram is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and respectful workplace. We make all employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business need, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws in the countries where we operate, including the Equality Act 2010 in the UK, relevant U.S. federal, state, and local laws, Brazil’s anti-discrimination provisions under the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT) and Federal Constitution, India’s Equal Remuneration Act and Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, Australia’s Fair Work Act 2009 and applicable state and territory legislation, and Canada’s human rights protections under the Canadian Human Rights Act and applicable provincial or territorial laws.