Railcar Repair and Cleaning Technician

Harbor Rail Services; Van Buren (AR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 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 in Van Buren, AR. The role involves cleaning and prepping railcars, sweeping, washing, and debris removal, with exposure to dirty environments and the need to handle basic maintenance tasks.

Applicants should have a high school diploma, fluency in English, and physical capability for outdoor work. Travel may be required; valid driver’s license is necessary. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Open 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 Repairs
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Fluent English

Reading & writing

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Reliable transportation

Driver's license

Willingness to travel

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: 103 VAN BUREN AR - Van Buren, AR 72956, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $19.00 - $20.00 Hourly, Job Shift: Any

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 Summary

The 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 Responsibilities

• Open 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 Repairs
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must 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 Requirements

• Constant 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 Requirements

• Constant 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 Requirements

• Essential. Must be able to hear clearly and receive verbal instructions (80% to 100% of the time).

Speaking Requirements

• Constant need to verbally communicate with staff, partners, vendors, etc.

Working Environment

• Outdoors (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 Development

• High. 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.