Surface Foreman

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 Surface Foreman to manage and direct crew operations, ensuring project goals for safety, quality, and customer satisfaction are met. Candidates should have a GED with at least 1 year of experience in railroad or construction, a valid driver's license, and strong leadership skills.

The role requires extensive travel and working outdoors in various conditions. Preferred qualifications include a Class A CDL and DOT medical card. Join us in delivering exceptional service!

Qualifications

• GED (or equivalent) with at least 1+ year of railroad or construction experience.
• Valid driver's license with insurable status; ability to obtain Class A CDL preferred.
• Ability to travel extensively (90%+).
• Ability to work in physically demanding outdoor environments.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage day-to-day project operations.
• Lead crew performance by enforcing safety standards.
• Conduct daily safety briefings and communicate production goals.
• Maintain documentation and ensure customer satisfaction.

Skills

Strong leadership and team management skills

Ability to read and interpret project documents

Expertise in track surfacing and alignment equipment

Strong communication and organizational skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

GED or higher

Job description

Now Hiring: Surface Foreman

Summary: The Surface Foreman is responsible for managing and directing a crew of workers to deliver a successful project by meeting or exceeding corporate or project goals for safety, quality, profitability, and schedule, resulting in extreme customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and manage day‑to‑day project operations, ensuring proper allocation of labor, equipment, materials, and tools for safe and timely execution.
• Lead crew performance by enforcing safety standards, monitoring productivity, and ensuring compliance with company policies and project goals.
• Conduct daily safety briefings, communicate production goals, identify hazards, and foster team feedback and engagement.
• Maintain documentation (production reports, equipment logs, inspections, change orders) and communicate with customers to ensure satisfaction.

Requirements

• GED (or equivalent) with at least 1+ year of railroad or construction experience.
• Valid driver’s license with insurable status; ability to obtain Class A CDL preferred.
• Ability to travel extensively (90%+).
• Ability to work in physically demanding outdoor environments in all weather conditions; DOT medical card/CDL preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills with a focus on safety, quality, and performance.
• Ability to read and interpret project documents such as plans, schedules, and specifications.
• Expertise in operating and training others on track surfacing and alignment equipment.
• Strong communication, customer relations, and organizational skills; Microsoft Office proficiency or ability to learn.

Physical Demands

• Regular standing, lifting up to 35 lbs. or more, and working in all weather conditions.
• Frequent walking, climbing, and operating equipment on uneven or slippery surfaces.
• Work outdoors in extreme temperatures; appropriate safety gear required.

Environmental Conditions

• Exposure to dust, heat, cold, vibration, and noise.
• Work around moving machinery, live track, and other hazards.

Education and Training

• GED or higher.
• One year or more working in railroad or construction.
• Valid driver’s license; DOT medical card and Class A CDL preferred.

Employment Conditions

Candidate must pass a mandatory drug test, complete a comprehensive background check, and possess a clean driving record.

Essential: Must maintain a clean physical examination and meet all role-specific safety requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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).