Railroad Track Laborer

Martinus; Sioux Falls, Northern (SD, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Martinus is seeking a Railroad Track Laborer to join a field crew responsible for sustaining and upgrading railroad tracks, ties, switches, and ballast, using hand tools and heavy equipment. This role requires 100% travel with two-to-three weeks on project and one week at home.

You’ll promote a strong safety culture, perform track and bridge repairs, operate tampers and backhoes, and stay compliant with FRA rules and company policies.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Valid driver's license.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Willingness to travel to various job sites, including overnight stays.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair, and replace railroad tracks, ties, switches, and ballast.
• Operate and maintain tampers, backhoes, torches, and other tools.
• Travel to project sites with a crew on extended schedules.
• Follow safety regulations and company policies.
• Complete FRA forms and report findings.

Skills

Safety-conscious

Written reports

Communication skills

Ability to travel

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CDL (preferred)

Tools

Tampers

Regulators

Backhoes

Torches

Hammers

Jacks

Job description

As a Railroad Track Laborer, you will work as part of a crew responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of railroad tracks, ties, switches, and ballast. This position involves the use of hand tools and heavy equipment, with the potential to advance to more specialized machine operator roles.

Key Responsibilities

• This job requires 100% travel. Typical schedules are two or three weeks on a project followed by one week at home.
• Consistently maintain and promote a strong safety culture.
• Repair and rebuild railroad track and bridge structures using both hydraulic and manual tools.
• Remove and replace rails and ties; pull and drive spikes; shovel ballast; load and unload equipment and materials.
• Operate and maintain various types of tools and equipment, including tampers, regulators, backhoes, torches, hammers, jacks, and other mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic tools.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting for equipment issues.
• Remain up-to-date and compliant with all relevant federal and state railroad industry regulations.
• Update rules and manuals as necessary to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.
• Follow company policies and encourage safe work practices at all times.

Required Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and willingness to adhere to all safety standards.
• Ability to complete written forms and reports, including FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) forms, and to respond to audible and visual signals and warnings.
• Proficient in the use of equipment such as tampers, regulators, backhoes, torches, hammers, jacks, and related mechanical/hydraulic/pneumatic tools.
• Ability to read and interpret safety regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, and manuals.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and a willingness to take direction.
• Experience working with heavy hand tools and in outdoor environments preferred.
• Ability to pass a Federal background check.
• Ability to comply with FRA 219 drug testing program requirements.
• Working knowledge of FRA 213 rules and regulations strongly preferred.

Required Education and Credentials

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted on a regular basis.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions and terrains, from early morning until late afternoon as needed.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as climbing, standing, bending, twisting, and lifting.
• Comfortable working around hazardous materials, loud noise, extreme heat and cold.
• Flexible schedule availability, including on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Willingness and ability to travel to various job sites, including overnight stays and on short notice.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)

• High school diploma or equivalent, or a comparable combination of education and work experience.
• Current CDL (Commercial Driver’s License).
• Previous experience in railroad, heavy construction, or maintenance industries.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.