Rail Switching Technician-Richmond, CA

Marmon Holdings; Richmond (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 39,000; 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

Railserve employee discount program

Job summary

Railserve, part of Marmon Holdings, is hiring Rail Switching Technicians in Richmond, CA for an entry‑level, hands‑on role. No prior rail experience required; on‑the‑job training is provided. You will operate locomotives, switch railcars, and support daily rail operations in an active yard.

The position emphasizes safety, teamwork, and reliability, with opportunities for growth into leadership and skilled rail operations. A valid high school diploma and ability to work outdoors are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Reliable transportation required and strong attendance.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain and climb on rail equipment.
• Must be able to lift and handle heavy equipment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks safely and effectively.
• Pass a physical, drug screen, and background check; military experience is a plus.

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 and lubricate components.
• Use hand signals, radios, and lanterns to control movement.
• Ensure safety and follow company procedures; assist training new employees.

Skills

Reliability

Outdoor work

Teamwork

Communication

Physical fitness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Rail equipment

Job description

Railserve

As 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 Richmond 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 to support customer operations and production schedules.

This is an entry-level opportunity. All skill levels are encouraged to apply, and Railserve will provide training for the individual selected for the role.

This position is responsible for operating locomotives; interpreting train orders, signals, and rules and regulations; and timely and correct switching and placement of rail cars.

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

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. No prior rail experience is required, and Railserve provides on-the-job training for qualified candidates.

Railserve promotes from within and provides opportunities for advancement into leadership and skilled rail operations positions.

Schedule

• Schedule based on operational and customer needs
• Overtime, weekends, holidays, and shift work may be required

Compensation

$26.00 - $28.00 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
• 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
• Must be able to successfully complete a physical, drug screen, and background check
• Military experience is a plus

What We Offer (Benefits)

• 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