Switchman - Industrial Rail

Savage; Oregon (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniforms & PPE Provided

Boot Allowance

Paid Holidays

Comprehensive Benefits

Safety-First Culture

Career Development

Job summary

Savage is a global provider of supply chain infrastructure and logistics solutions with extensive rail operations across North America. The role involves rail switching, locomotive operation, and railcar inspections on 12-hour rotating shifts, with a strong emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance.

You will be part of a team focused on safe, reliable, and efficient rail service, with training provided for locomotives and air brake systems.

Qualifications

• Safety commitment to safe work practices and compliance with railroad safety requirements.
• Attend and successfully complete OSHA, HazMat, FRA, and other job-related training.
• Ability to perform basic equipment and rail-related maintenance tasks.
• Basic computer proficiency for operational documentation and reporting.
• Willingness to wear required personal protective equipment at all times.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Ability to pass required drug and alcohol testing and background screening.
• Strong communication and teamwork within a safety-focused environment.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Rail Switching Operations: spot railcars on tracks, move empty railcars, and build outbound trains.
• Locomotive Operations: operate locomotives for switching and daily rail movements; training provided.
• Railcar Inspections: conduct visual inspections and air brake checks for safety and compliance.
• Safety & Compliance: follow safety program and operating procedures.
• Train Building Activities: organize inbound/outbound rail traffic for facility operations.
• Operational Coordination: work with team members and customers for safe, reliable rail service.

Skills

Safety Commitment

Training & Certification

Basic Maintenance Skills

Computer Skills

PPE Compliance

Schedule Flexibility

Professional Standards

Communication & Teamwork

Driver's License

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Grow Your Career with Savage!

Savage is a global provider of supply chain infrastructure and logistics solutions with more than 200 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. Since we were founded in 1946, we’ve grown from a small family business to an international company with more than 4,000 team members. We’re proud to be recognized as a Military Friendly Employer and a Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation. Savage is a place where your growth is supported and your impact matters. Join us and do things you never dreamed possible. We welcome Military Veterans and Reservists to join our team and build a rewarding career with us. Military experience equivalency may substitute for some requirements. Military Veterans and National Guard Reservists are encouraged to apply!

The Basics

Location: Industrial Rail Operations

Schedule: 12-hour rotating shifts (days, nights, weekends, and holidays)

Equipment Used: Locomotives, railcars, rail switches, air brake systems, and rail operating equipment

Environment: Heavy industrial and rail operations with a strong focus on safety and operational excellence.

Benefits

• Uniforms & PPE Provided: Company-provided uniforms and PPE, including laundering service.
• Boot Allowance: $150 annual steel-toe boot allowance.
• Paid Holidays: Enjoy paid holiday benefits.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match.
• Safety-First Culture: Work in a highly organized 5S environment with industry-leading safety training and procedures.
• Career Development: Training and certification opportunities to expand your rail operations knowledge and skills.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Rail Switching Operations: Safely spot railcars on designated tracks, move empty railcars, and build outbound trains to support customer operations.
• Locomotive Operations: Operate locomotives to perform switching activities and support daily rail movements. Training and certification are provided.
• Railcar Inspections: Conduct visual railcar inspections and perform air brake inspections to ensure safe and compliant rail operations.
• Safety & Compliance: Actively participate in and promote Savage's safety program while following railroad, customer, and company operating procedures.
• Train Building Activities: Assist with organizing inbound and outbound rail traffic to support efficient facility operations.
• Operational Coordination: Work closely with team members and customers to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient rail service.

Requirements To Be Successful

• Safety Commitment: Strong commitment to safe work practices and compliance with railroad and company safety requirements.
• Training & Certification: Ability to attend and successfully complete all required training, including OSHA, HazMat, FRA, and other job-related coursework.
• Basic Maintenance Skills: Ability to perform basic equipment and rail-related maintenance tasks.
• Computer Skills: Basic computer proficiency for operational documentation and reporting.
• PPE Compliance: Willingness to wear required personal protective equipment at all times.
• Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as business needs require.
• Professional Standards: Ability to pass required drug and alcohol testing, background screening, and customer site requirements.
• Communication & Teamwork: Ability to work effectively within a team-oriented and safety-focused environment.
• Driver's License: Valid driver's license required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Rail Industry Experience: One or more years of railroad, rail switching, or locomotive operating experience.
• Industrial Experience: Experience working in manufacturing, refinery, terminal, mining, or other industrial environments.
• Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Military Experience: Previous military experience with a demonstrated ability to follow procedures and work safely in structured environments.

Some Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Outdoor Work Environment: Work outdoors in all weather conditions throughout the year.
• Walking & Mobility: Walk more than five miles per shift on uneven terrain and ballast surfaces.
• Working Around Rail Equipment: Safely climb on and off locomotives and railcars as required.
• Working at Heights: Comfortable working at elevated locations when performing rail operations.
• Physical Demands: Lift, carry, and handle materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Industrial Environment: Ability to work, walk, and stand on uneven ballast and industrial surfaces for extended periods.

Additional Information

• A complete job description is available upon request
• Savage is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace
• California Residents Job Application Privacy Notice
• You may view available jobs at www.savageco.com/careers and apply using the online job posting.
• Team members may be eligible for a benefits package that is dependent on hours worked and position classification. This package may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; life, AD&D, and disability insurance; supplemental coverage options; health savings and flexible spending accounts; paid time off; profit sharing; and a 401(k) plan with company match. Benefits are subject to change. For more information visit https://savageco.com/careers/benefits-information/