Railcar Repair & Cleaning Technician

Harbor Rail Services; Council Bluffs (IA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Harbor Rail Services in Council Bluffs, IA is seeking a Railcar Cleaning Technician to support railcar repair operations by cleaning and debris removal. You will use brooms, shovels, blowers, and power washers in a physically demanding role.

Work involves outdoor environments, safety-oriented tasks, and may require travel to multiple locations across the U.S. Day shift; full-time position with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English fluently and professionally.
• Basic analytical and quantitative skills with ability to solve simple math problems.
• Must meet physical requirements and be able to take direction.

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.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: 91 COUNCIL BLUFFS IA - Council Bluffs, IA 51501, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $19.00 - $23.00 Hourly, Job Shift: Day, Job Description: Railcar Repair & Cleaning Technician

Company

Harbor Rail Services

Location

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Job Type

Full-Time – Location operates 7 days a week

Wage

$18–$24/hour

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.

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.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designated to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Harbor Rail Services Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).