Rail Track Laborer - Field Crew (Hands-On)

Norfolk Southern Corp.; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Norfolk Southern Corporation, a Fortune 300 transportation leader, seeks capable laborers to construct, repair and maintain railroad tracks as part of a local Line Maintenance crew. Applicants should be prepared for travel, varying shifts, and physically demanding tasks in all weather conditions.

Starting hourly rates for the first three years range from about $30.98 to $34.93, with pay progressing as experience increases, reflecting a strong, structured wage ladder within a major rail network.

Qualifications

• Must have High School Diploma or GED.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Capable of lifting and carrying a minimum of 75 pounds.
• Willing to travel to various job sites, including those that require overnight stays and those that require short notice mobilization.
• Capable of working in inclement weather and/or conditions.
• Capable of covering distances afoot up to five miles per day on railroad right of way, negotiating steep grades and rough terrain, without assistance.
• Capable of working unsupervised at times.

Responsibilities

• Carry and place track materials using hand tools such as tie tongs, rail tongs, rail forks, lining bars, shovels, and jacks.
• Attach the rail to ties using spike mauls or spike drivers.
• Remove spikes with claw bars, spike lifters, and spike pullers.
• Lift, position, handle, remove and install railroad crossties in and around the track structure.
• Connect and disconnect rail using the track, impact, power wrenches, or welding materials.
• Move, clean, and tamp ballast with shovels, clay picks, lining bars, and ballast forks.
• Raise tracks, turnouts, crossings, and rails with track or power jacks.
• Cut associated materials with oxygen-propane torches, rail saws, cut-off saws, and cold chisels.
• Drill holes with gasoline, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric drill motors.
• Work alongside heavy equipment by connecting, disconnecting, and controlling material that is being moved and by directing such movement.
• Participate in safety meetings.
• Wear all appropriate personal protective equipment.

Job description

Norfolk Southern Corporation, a Fortune 300 transportation leader, seeks capable laborers to construct, repair and maintain railroad tracks as part of a local Line Maintenance crew. Applicants should be prepared for travel, varying shifts, and physically demanding tasks in all weather conditions.

Starting hourly rates for the first three years range from about $30.98 to $34.93, with pay progressing as experience increases, reflecting a strong, structured wage ladder within a major rail network.