Railcar Prepper - Union Position

Road & Rail Services; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) plan

Paid holidays and vacation time

Annual steel-toe boot allowance

PPE provided

Veteran-friendly workplace

Training and advancement opportunities

Promote-from-within culture

Job summary

Road & Rail Services is hiring dependable, safety-minded Railcar Preppers for our Roanoke operation. This is a hands‑on outdoor position responsible for inspecting, cleaning, and preparing railcars before vehicles are loaded for transportation.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys physical work, wants to enter the railroad industry, and is comfortable working outdoors throughout the year. Previous railroad experience is not required.

Qualifications

• Valid state-issued driver's license.
• Reliability and punctuality.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety.
• Willingness to work second shift if assigned.
• Availability to work Saturdays and Sundays until seniority permits a schedule change.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Positive attitude and desire to learn and advance.

Responsibilities

• Inspect railcars for damage, wear, fatigue, and safety concerns.
• Open, secure, and close railcar end doors.
• Remove dirt and contaminants to prepare for loading.
• Operate backpack blowers, scrapers, and related tools.
• Identify repairs that Road & Rail Services personnel can perform.
• Report damaged equipment and unsafe conditions to site leadership.
• Keep tools, railcars, and work areas clean.
• Complete inspections and prep work per customer requirements.
• Follow safety procedures for company, customer, union, railroad, and industry.
• Assist with other operational duties as assigned.

Skills

Safety-minded

Teamwork

Reliable attendance

Positive attitude

Willingness to work second shift

Weekend availability

Tools

Backpack blower

Railcar scrapers

Hand tools

Job description

Railcar Prepper – Union Position

Road & Rail Services
Location: Roanoke, Indiana
Starting Pay: $20.53 per hour
Job Type: Full-Time
Union Position: Yes
Shift: To be determined; applicants must be available for second shift
Weekend Requirement: Saturday and Sunday work will be required until seniority allows for other scheduling options

Build a Career in the Railroad Industry

Road & Rail Services is hiring dependable, safety-minded Railcar Preppers for our Roanoke operation. This is a hands‑on outdoor position responsible for inspecting, cleaning, and preparing railcars before vehicles are loaded for transportation.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys physical work, wants to enter the railroad industry, and is comfortable working outdoors throughout the year. Previous railroad experience is not required. We are looking for reliable employees who are willing to learn, follow safety procedures, and work the schedule assigned under the union seniority system.

What You'll Do

As a Railcar Prepper, you will help ensure railcars are clean, safe, and ready for loading. Your responsibilities will include:

Inspecting railcars for damage, wear, fatigue, and potential safety concerns

Assisting with opening, securing, and closing railcar end doors

Removing dirt, debris, and other contaminants that could damage vehicles

Operating backpack blowers, scrapers, and other job‑related tools

Identifying repairs that may be completed by Road & Rail Services personnel

Reporting damaged equipment and unsafe conditions to site leadership

Keeping tools, equipment, railcars, and assigned work areas clean

Completing inspections and preparation work according to customer requirements

Following all company, customer, union, railroad, and industry safety procedures

Assisting with other operational duties as assigned

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

Applicants should understand that this is an active manual‑labor position. You must be able to:

Work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, wind, and changing weather conditions

Climb railcar ladders and work at heights of approximately 16–20 feet

Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds during the shift

Stand, walk, bend, reach, climb, and use tools for extended periods

Work safely around railcars, moving equipment, and active operations

Maintain awareness and follow instructions in a fast‑paced environment

What You'll Need

Valid state‑issued driver's license

Reliable attendance and punctuality

Strong commitment to workplace safety

Willingness to work second shift if assigned

Availability to work Saturdays and Sundays until seniority permits a schedule change

Ability to work effectively as part of a team

Positive attitude and desire to learn and advance

Benefits and Career Opportunities

Road & Rail Services offers eligible full‑time associates:

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company matching

Paid holidays and vacation time

Annual steel‑toe boot allowance

Company‑provided personal protective equipment

Veteran‑friendly workplace

Training and advancement opportunities

A strong promote‑from‑within culture

About Road & Rail Services

Established in 1987, Road & Rail Services provides rail‑related operations and maintenance services throughout North America. Our experienced teams support railroads, manufacturers, shippers, terminals, and rail‑equipment owners through safe, dependable service.