Rail Switching Technician-Richmond, CA

Railserve; Richmond, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Company-paid life insurance

401(k) with company match

Safety shoe reimbursement

Vacation

Job summary

Railserve is hiring a Rail Switching Technician in Richmond, CA to support daily rail switching operations in an industrial rail environment. This full-time, on-site role involves operating locomotives and managing railcar movements with a focus on safety and accuracy.

Training is provided, and overtime and weekend work may be required. The position emphasizes dependability, ability to work outdoors, and adherence to safety protocols while coordinating with crews and site leadership.

Qualifications

• Safety-focused and dependable candidate.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and lift/move heavy materials.

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 maintain equipment.
• Maintain safety procedures and communicate with crews and site leadership.

Skills

Safety-focused

Dependable

Strong communication

Teamwork

Physically fit

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

## Rail Switching Technician-Richmond, CAApply: Richmond, CA: Full time: Posted 4 Days Ago: End Date: September 30, 2026 (14 days left to apply): JR0000034628RailserveAs 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)** 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 and customer 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.