Rail Switching Technician- Kankakee, IL

Railserve; Kankakee (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

Company-paid life insurance

401(k) with company match

Annual safety shoe reimbursement

Holiday pay

Vacation

Job summary

Railserve in Kankakee, IL is hiring dependable Rail Switching Technicians for a full-time, outdoor role focused on safe movement and switching of railcars. You will operate locomotives and equipment, interpret signals, and coordinate with crews in an active yard environment.

The ideal candidate is safety-minded, mechanically inclined, and capable of outdoor work in varying weather. We offer competitive pay and benefits with opportunities for growth within rail operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Reliable transportation and strong dependability
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain and climb on rail equipment
• Commitment to safety and following procedures

Responsibilities

• Operate locomotives and rail equipment safely and efficiently
• Perform railcar switching and placement according to schedules
• Interpret train orders, signals, and operating procedures
• Inspect locomotives prior to operation
• Operate switches, derails, gates, and air hoses
• Communicate with crews and site leadership to coordinate movements
• Assist in training new employees as needed
• Complete reports related to delays or incidents

Skills

Safety-focused

Mechanically inclined

Strong attendance

Communication skills

Teamwork

Outdoor work

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Rail equipment operation

Job description

RailserveAs 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 Kankakee, IL 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 position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and being part of a safety-focused team. Railserve provides opportunities for long-term career growth and advancement within rail operations.Who We AreRailserve 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 DescriptionRail 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 leadership and skilled rail operations positions.Schedule• Wednesday through Sunday• 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM• Monday and Tuesday off• Overtime may be required based on operational needsCompensation$21.00-$23.00 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 assignedJob 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 plusWhat 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 programAdditional 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 proceduresGrow With UsDon’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-DNIPay Range:18.90 - 23.10We offer a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, and more!Following 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.