Regulator Operator

Northern Plains Railroad & Rail Services; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Plains Railroad & Rail Services is seeking a Regulator Operator in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The operator will manage ballast distribution along rail tracks, ensuring effective operation of heavy equipment. Responsibilities include machine operation, repairs, and ensuring safety compliance, with 80% travel required. Candidates should possess a GED, 3+ years of experience operating heavy machinery, and a valid Commercial Driver’s License. The role involves significant physical demands including manual labor and equipment handling.

Qualifications

• Operates regulator to perform work that machine is designed for, such as shaping, distributing, shouldering, and sweeping track ballast.
• Installs equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid DOT Medical Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Manage the distribution of ballast using various machines.
• Perform maintenance and make repairs on machines.
• Communicate any safety or mechanical issues to supervisor.

Skills

Ability to operate and maintain various types of Ballast Regulators

Experience using hand tools, power tools, and hydraulic equipment

Basic internet and computer skills

Track record of successful project management

Education

GED or High School Diploma

3+ years’ experience operating a Regulator or heavy construction equipment

Valid Commercial Driver’s License

Job description

Company: Northern Plains Services, Inc.

Business Unit: Complete Track Works

Department: Construction

Travel: 80%+

Schedule: 7:00am – 4:30pm with additional hours as required.

Summary

The Regulator Operator position is to perform the work that the machine is designed for, such as shaping, distributing, shouldering, and sweeping ballast which supports the ties of railroad track. Operates a variety of equipment within the organization to move, load, or unload various ballast & railroad materials and install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate regulator to perform the work that machine is designed for, such as shaping, distributing, shouldering, and sweeping the track ballast that supports the railroad track ties.
• Installs equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures.
• Operate regulator with attachments to clear debris from tracks, remove snow, improve stormwater drainage, and brush cut.
• Operates On-track equipment to rehabilitate, construct, or install railroad track.
• Operates Construction equipment to move, load, or unload material.
• Operates equipment in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with governing regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinates machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
• Manage the distribution of ballast, whether by roto dump, front end loader, or by using rail car.
• Ability to run regulator or direct regulator operator to establish work requirements and meet precise job specifications.
• Must be able to troubleshoot and/or diagnose machine problems to ensure steady production in the field.
• Perform maintenance and make repairs on machine and related equipment as necessary.
• Perform minor mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic repairs in the field and/or the shop.
• Order parts on their own and communicate with the mechanic.
• Must be able to work alone in remote locations independently and with minimum supervision.
• Communicate any safety or mechanical issues to supervisor.
• Inspect and recognize any deviation from FRA track safety standards part 213.
• Responsible for the safe completion and inspection of assigned task.
• Meet job production objectives safely, and within budget, with respect to detail and quality.
• Must fill out, maintain, and produce accurate and up-to-date production reports.
• Assist in the restoration, renewal, maintenance, and new construction of track structures as needed.
• Works with truck drivers loads and offloads equipment as it arrives and exits project site.
• Takes action to avoid potential hazards and obstructions, such as utilities, other equipment, other workers, structural objects, and through traffic.
• Perform manual labor consisting of crouching, bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and lifting while working at ground level.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Will perform work on Northern Plains Railroad as directed.

Competencies

• Ability to operate and maintain various types of Ballast Regulators.
• Track record of successful project management.
• Successful management of surfacing projects.
• Experience using hand tools, power tools and hydraulic equipment.
• Knowledge of and ability to adhere to safety requirements and procedures.
• Ability to work on their own in remote locations independently.
• Willingness to wear the proper and required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as hard hat, steel toed boots, eye and hearing protection and face shields and other PPE required for specific tasks.
• Basic internet and computer or other handheld device skills needed for payroll reports, equipment reports, safety and equipment reports, and email correspondence.
• A valid Commercial Driver’s License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Driving Record.

Physical Demands

The position requires substantial physical activity and manual labor. Tasks include:

• Standing for extended periods.
• Walking up to 600 feet.
• Bending or stooping for short periods.
• Squatting, crouching, and kneeling during work.
• Climbing stairs or ladders.
• Lifting and carrying materials, sometimes exceeding 50 pounds.
• Operating machinery that may involve vibration and hazardous environments.

Environmental

• Continually exposed to noise.
• Frequent exposure to smoke, dust, fumes, odors, grease, oil; working outdoors in hot and cold temperatures; vibration; operating moving machinery.
• Occasional exposure to electrical hazards; cramped quarters; chemicals; working at heights; shift work.
• Rare exposure to toxic materials.

Education and Training

• GED or High School Diploma.
• 3+ years’ experience operating a Regulator or heavy construction equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Valid Drivers License required.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid DOT (Department of Transportation) Medical Certificate (Med Card).
• CDL Preferred.
• Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPRS driver provisions.

Requirements of Joining Our Team

1. Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug‑free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post‑accident testing may also be required throughout employment.
2. Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.
3. Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.
4. Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position.

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned. This Job Description may change at any time declared by Management.

NPRS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation.

NPRS is a tradename used by Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR), Northern Plains Services, Inc. (NPS), and All Rail, Inc. (All Rail).