Switchman

Genesee & Wyoming Main Job Board; Annapolis (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Telehealth

Life Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

On the Job Training

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Genesee & Wyoming Inc. is seeking a Switchman to operate rail equipment and ensure freight is delivered efficiently. You will receive hands-on and classroom training and work outdoors in all weather, with clear opportunities for long-term growth.

This full-time role emphasizes safety, effective communication, and following procedures in a dynamic environment with shift work and physical tasks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Experience in safety-sensitive environments is a plus.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential.

Responsibilities

• Comply with railroad safety and operational regulations.
• Communicate with customers and team members using signals or radios.
• Operate track switches to determine train/railcar routes.
• Inspect railcars and read rule books for safe operations.
• Readily assist in rail yard operations and train documentation.

Skills

Communication skills

Safety awareness

Team coordination

Written communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Driver’s license

Job description

Company / Benefits Overview:

Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) team — part of a legacy that is over 125 years old. With a network of 100+ individual freight railroads and 4,000 employees across North America, we provide transportation and logistics services to more than 2,000 customers.

At G&W, we live by our Core Values: Safety, Service, Integrity, Respect, Transparency, Accountability, Innovation and Excellence. We offer competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, and paid training to help you succeed. Check out some of our great benefits below:

• Medical, Dental, Vision & Telehealth
• Life Insurance
• Optional benefit coverages for Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital, ID Theft & Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings account plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• On the Job Training
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• And more!

* Benefits are subject to change and may vary by labor agreement
* This position DOES NOT pay into Railroad Retirement

Explore your future with G&W today and learn more about the opportunities to grow across our organization!

Job Summary:

As a Switchman, you’ll play a key role in safely operating rail equipment to ensure that freight is delivered to our customers efficiently. We will provide you with hands‑on and classroom training to set a strong foundation for a long‑term career. You’ll work outdoors in all weather conditions, tackling new challenges each day while ensuring we meet our customers’ needs. This is a physically active position with real opportunities for growth and advancement in a complex and dynamic environment.

See our employees in action to learn more at https://www.gwrr.com/careers/.

Responsibilities:

• Comply with all federal, state, and other applicable railroad safety and operational regulations
• Follow instructions when working with a certified trainer, mentor, or supervisor
• Communicate with customers and team members using oral, written, hand signals, lantern signals or radio instructions to coordinate train or railcar movement
• Operate track switches to determine the route of the train or rail equipment
• Evaluate, plan, and complete all assigned work safely and efficiently
• Climb on and off equipment and walk the length of the train or rail yard to support train operations
• Apply or release hand brakes on railcars multiple times a day to control movement
• Read and understand the rule books and other written or printed material
• Inspect the condition of railcars in movement and while stationary
• Connect air hoses and electrical components between locomotives or railcars
• Utilize basic computer skills proficiently for electronic reporting and train documentation
• Perform other duties as assigned

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

• Full-time (40 plus hours weekly)
• Varying schedule in a 24/7 work environment that includes nights, holidays, weekends, and on‑call as needed
• Outdoor work in all weather conditions working up to a 12‑hour shift
• Walking long distances on uneven surfaces and climbing ladders and equipment always ensuring three points of contact in varying environmental conditions
• Able to lift up to 75 pounds from floor to waist and carry short distances
• Able to squat, bend and lift overhead
• Have good balance and coordination
• Must meet vision requirements

Skills and Experience:

• 2+ years of related or relevant work experience is a plus
• Effective communication skills both written and verbal
• Experience working in a safety-sensitive environment is a plus
• Possess situational awareness and decision‑making abilities to respond effectively in a safety sensitive environment

Required Education and Credentials:

• High school diploma or GED; or an equivalent combination of education and/or work experience
• Valid driver’s license
• At least 18 years of age

Employment Requirements:

• Pre‑employment physical, hearing, and vision medical review
• May be subject to federally mandated drug and alcohol testing including pre‑employment drug screening
• Background screening including criminal and motor vehicle driving history

Relocation:

Must live within 50 miles of assigned location or be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.

This position is employed by the specific entity set forth in the job posting.