Railroad Track Laborer – Hands-On Field Maintenance

Norfolk Southern; Jackson (AL); On-site; USD 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Norfolk Southern in Jackson, AL, is seeking a Track Laborer responsible for constructing, repairing, maintaining, and demolishing railroad tracks and related components as part of a local Line Maintenance crew. The role involves using hand tools, lifting up to 75 pounds, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.

Pay rates start at $30.98–$31.44 per hour with progression through the 2nd and 3rd year rates.

Qualifications

• Interact effectively as a crew member.
• Understand and follow verbal and visual communications.
• Understand and respond to audible/visual signals and warnings.
• Quickly learn and perform job duties.
• Recognize, avoid, and report potential hazards.

Responsibilities

• Carry and place track materials using hand tools such as tie tongs, rail tongs, rail forks, lining bars, shovels, and jacks.
• Attach the rail to ties using spike mauls or spike drivers.
• Remove spikes with claw bars, spike lifters, and spike pullers.
• Lift, position, handle, remove and install railroad crossties in and around the track structure.
• Connect and disconnect rail using the track, impact, power wrenches, or welding materials.
• Move, clean, and tamp ballast (crushed stone-like material) with shovels, clay picks, lining bars, and ballast forks.
• Raise tracks, turnouts, crossings, and rails with track or power jacks.
• Cut associated materials with oxygen-propane torches, rail saws, cut-off saws, and cold chisels.
• Drill holes with gasoline, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric drill motors.
• Work alongside heavy equipment by connecting, disconnecting, and controlling material that is being moved and by directing such movement.
• Participate in safety meetings.
• Wear all appropriate personal protective equipment.

Skills

Crew interaction

Signal understanding

Quick learner

Hazard recognition

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Norfolk Southern in Jackson, AL, is seeking a Track Laborer responsible for constructing, repairing, maintaining, and demolishing railroad tracks and related components as part of a local Line Maintenance crew. The role involves using hand tools, lifting up to 75 pounds, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.

Pay rates start at $30.98–$31.44 per hour with progression through the 2nd and 3rd year rates.