Railcar Repair and Cleaning Technician

Harbor Rail Services Of California Incorporated; Van Buren (AR); On-site; USD 33,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Benefits package

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Harbor Rail Services is seeking a Railcar Cleaning Technician to support railcar repair operations by cleaning and debris removal. You will sweep, wash, and prep railcars using brooms, shovels, blowers, and power washers in a physically demanding outdoor environment.

The role requires reading and following safety instructions, lifting heavy loads, operating a forklift, and performing basic maintenance tasks as needed; you must be able to travel for assignments and adhere to safety standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English fluently.
• Basic analytical and quantitative skills; ability to solve basic math problems.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Open and close railcar doors as needed and report defects to supervisor.
• Inspect interior for heavy debris and report findings.
• Sweep and remove debris from interior of boxcars; wash out boxcars as needed.
• Lubricate cars; operate forklift to assist in repairing and cleaning freight cars.
• Perform general housekeeping and light repairs; assist with other duties as assigned.

Skills

English fluency

Basic math

Physical stamina

Reliable transportation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Power washer

Broom

Shovel

Forklift operation

Job description

COMPANY:Harbor Rail Services has been in the railroad business for 35 years, operating 50 locations nationwide, and is a leading provider of railcar maintenance and repair services. The company is committed to the training and development of its employees, offering competitive compensation, benefits packages, and growth opportunities. Safety is the first priority, supported by strong leadership and rigorous safety standards.Job SummaryThe primary responsibility of the Railcar Cleaning Technician is to support railcar repair operations by performing thorough cleaning and debris removal. This includes sweeping, washing, and prepping railcars using tools such as brooms, shovels, blowers, and power washers. The role is physically demanding and involves working in dirty environments, including exposure to garbage and food waste. Technicians may also assist with basic maintenance tasks and equipment handling.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesOpen and close railcar doors as needed.Report any defects found during door operations to supervisor.Inspect interior for heavy debris and report findings.Sweep and remove all debris from interior of boxcars.Report any powder residue to supervisor.Wash out boxcars as needed.Lubricate cars as needed.Operate forklift to assist in repairing and cleaning freight cars.Stock and store freight car material.General housekeeping.Light RepairsPerform other duties as assigned.QualificationsMust meet all physical requirements and be able to take direction.High school diploma or equivalent required.Ability to read, write, and communicate in English fluently and professionally.Basic analytical and quantitative skills with ability to solve basic mathematical problems.Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.Reliable transportation required at all times.Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.Willingness to take calls and report to work at any hour.Out of town travel may be required.Physical RequirementsConstant need (80% to 100% of the time) to be on feet.Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, climbing stairs or ladders.Pushing or pulling equipment, opening and closing doors.Reaching above shoulder, grasping, gripping, turning tools and equipment.Finger dexterity for handling tools and typing.Lifting/carrying 25–75 lbs (10% to 20% of the time), 1–35 lbs (80% to 100% of the time).Lifting over 50 lbs often requires assistance and appropriate safety equipment.Vision RequirementsConstant need to observe areas needing attention/correction.Read cautionary labels and respond to written instructions.See clearly beyond arm’s reach.Differentiate common railroad signaling colors (red, green, yellow, blue).Hearing RequirementsEssential. Must be able to hear clearly and receive verbal instructions (80% to 100% of the time).Speaking RequirementsConstant need to verbally communicate with staff, partners, vendors, etc.Working EnvironmentOutdoors (80% to 100% of the time), all conditions, often for extended periods.Exposure to paint fumes, lubricants, dust, loud noises (50% to 90% of the time).Travel to multiple locations throughout the U.S., including walking in noisy, dirty, uneven, or dark areas.Seven days a week operation, some days off when available.Reasoning DevelopmentHigh. Must be able to apply principles of logical thinking to a variety of practical situations and accurately follow standardized procedures. Needs ability to think rationally beyond a specific set of instructions.Harbor Rail Services is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for available positions without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, sexual expression, gender expression, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws.DISCLAIMER:This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.