Railroad Track Laborer – Maintenance Crew

Pointer Smith Contracting Corporation; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Pointer Smith Contracting Corporation in Galveston, TX seeks a dependable Railroad Track Laborer to join our maintenance crew. This role supports inspection, repair, and upkeep of railroad tracks, ties, ballast, and related infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient rail operations.

It is physically demanding outdoor work performed as part of a team, often in varying weather conditions. Local candidates only; on-the-job training provided.

Qualifications

• Local resident of Galveston, TX area (no relocation assistance).
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs repeatedly and perform physically strenuous tasks.
• Able to work outdoors in heat, cold, and rain; pass pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Valid driver's license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Install, align, and maintain rail components.
• Load, unload, and distribute ballast, ties, and track materials.
• Operate and maintain hand tools and small power equipment (spike pullers, tampers, cutting torches).
• Assist with track inspections and identify defects or safety hazards.
• Perform track surfacing, gauging, and alignment work.
• Support larger repair, replacement, and construction projects as directed by the crew foreman.
• Flag and direct traffic or train movement near work zones when required.
• Follow all railroad safety protocols, FRA regulations, and company procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized work site, including tool and equipment care.
• Work as part of a team to complete daily assignments efficiently and safely.

Skills

Manual labor

Outdoor work

Teamwork

Tools

Spike pullers

Tampers

Cutting torches

Hand tools

Job description

Location: Galveston, TX (local candidates only)
Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

We are seeking a dependable Railroad Track Laborer to join our maintenance-of-way crew in Galveston, TX. This role supports the inspection, repair, and upkeep of railroad tracks, ties, ballast, and related infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient rail operations. This is physically demanding outdoor work performed as part of a team, often in varying weather conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, align, and maintain rail, ties, spikes, plates, and other track components
• Load, unload, and distribute ballast, ties, and track materials
• Operate and maintain hand tools and small power equipment (spike pullers, tampers, cutting torches, etc.)
• Assist with track inspections and identify defects or safety hazards
• Perform track surfacing, gauging, and alignment work
• Support larger repair, replacement, and construction projects as directed by the crew foreman
• Flag and direct traffic or train movement near work zones when required
• Follow all railroad safety protocols, FRA regulations, and company procedures
• Maintain a clean and organized work site, including tool and equipment care
• Work as part of a team to complete daily assignments efficiently and safely

Qualifications

• Must be a local resident of the Galveston, TX area (no relocation assistance provided)
• Prior experience in railroad maintenance, construction, or heavy manual labor a plus, but not required — on-the-job training provided
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs repeatedly and perform physically strenuous tasks throughout a shift
• Comfortable working near active rail lines and heavy machinery
• Reliable transportation to report to job sites, which may vary within the local area
• Willingness to work early mornings, weekends, holidays, or overtime as needed
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening and background check
• Valid driver's license preferred

Physical Requirements

• Frequent bending, kneeling, lifting, and walking on uneven terrain
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods
• Ability to wear required PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, steel-toe boots, high-visibility clothing)