Switchman

INEOS Belgium; Pasadena (TX); On-site; USD 26,174 - 33,062; Full time

Job summary

INEOS Phenol is seeking a Switchman for our Pasadena, TX facility to safely move and position railcars to support production, loading and shipping. You will operate locomotives, coordinate railcar movements, and ensure switches are correctly set while following safety and environmental standards.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, knowledge of rail switching, and strong communication. This position involves rotating shifts including nights and weekends in an outdoor industrial

Qualifications

• Knowledge of rail switching operations and safety practices.
• Ability to interpret track layouts and switching plans.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and situational awareness.

Responsibilities

• Operate a locomotive to move railcars within the plant.
• Direct and coordinate the movement of railcars within the plant.
• Operate track switches to route railcars to designated areas.
• Ensure proper placement and sequencing of railcars.
• Assist in building and staging inbound and outbound railcar sets.
• Communicate with the locomotive operator to maintain safety and efficiency.
• Adhere to all plant safety rules, speed limits, and procedures.

Skills

Rail operations

Safety awareness

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Interested in joining a winning team? A team whose employees share in the ownership of the business and are empowered to make a difference?

Job Title
Switchman
Department
Production

Schedule

Pay Rate

$20.70/hr

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT
AND JOB PURPOSE
INEOS Phenol is the world’s largest producer of phenol and acetone with an annual manufacturing capacity of over 3 million tonnes per annum. We employ around 600 people across four sites, located at: Antwerp (Belgium), Gladbeck (Germany), Marl (Germany), Mobile, AL and Pasadena, TX. Our markets are growing worldwide. Our efficient, integrated assets provide a competitive global manufacturing base to grow with our customers, to continue to meet their needs around the world.
How the Role fits In:
The Switchman is responsible for the safe, efficient movement and positioning of railcars within the manufacturing facility to support production, loading/unloading, and shipping operations. This role ensures strict adherence to safety protocols and maintains communication with the switch engine operator to facilitate safe railcar movement. The position is critical to maintaining uninterrupted plant operations and meeting safety and environmental standards. This position is essential to maintaining continuous production flow and meeting customer delivery commitments.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

SHE Stewardship

• Maintain safety as the highest priority and abide by all INEOS safety policies and procedures.
• Understand and promote the INEOS “20 Principles of Safety”, assuring that others are aware of safe working practices and promote the safety concepts of “Coaching for Safety” and “Stop Work”.
• Promote safety and safe actions through communication such as discussing safety with employees/contractors before job task, during meetings, and as opportunities arise to promote safety to the fullest extent possible.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and environmental regulatory requirements and strive to meet internal SHE objectives.
• Complete training requirements as outlined in the annual training schedule.

Main Duties

• Operate a locomotive to move railcars within the plant.
• Direct and coordinate the movement of railcars within the plant.
• Operate track switches to route railcars to designated areas.
• Ensure proper placement and sequencing of railcars.
• Assist in building and staging inbound and outbound railcar sets.
• Ensure clear communication with the locomotive operator.
• Verify tracks are clear, railcars are disconnected, loading arms are raised, and switches are properly aligned before movement.
• Adhere to plant safety rules, speed limits, and procedures.
• Identify and report safety hazards or incidents immediately.
• Support rail isolation and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Coordinate with production and logistics teams to prioritize movements.
• Assist with railcar inspections and support loading/unloading operations.Hookup, pressure test hose connections, sample, and unload propylene railcars
• Change lineups from liquid unloading to vapor recovery of railcars
• Weigh inbound and outbound railcars and identify heel weights
• Assist the Production Department with any other needs in the plant when not performing switch crew duties, such as but not limited to: Load customer trucks, move hoses within the plant, perform housekeeping duties, work plant security gate.
• Participate in plant safety audits, job safety analyses, housekeeping audits, etc.

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

Education & Experience:

• - High school diploma or GED required
• - Experience in manufacturing, logistics, or rail operations preferred

Knowledge & Skills:

• Understanding of rail switching operations and safety practices
• Ability to interpret track layouts and switching plans
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Mechanical aptitude

Core Competencies:

• Safety Leadership
• Attention to Detail
• Communication and Teamwork
• Decision-Making
• Accountability

Certifications (Preferred):

• Rail switching or conductor training
• Safety training (LOTO, etc.)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to walk long distances and stand for extended periods
• Ability to climb railcars and operate switches
• Lift up to 50 lbs
• Maintain situational awareness in high-risk environments

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions
• Rotating shifts including nights and weekends
• Exposure to heavy equipment and industrial environments

DISCLAIMER
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or require that different tasks be performed when circumstance change (e.g., emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).

Our culture is one of honesty and integrity with an emphasis on safety, health and environmental performance.On our team, people are acknowledged for embracing new practices that help create real value for customers.