Switchman - WES

OmniTRAX, Inc.; Green River (WY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

OmniTRAX, Inc. seeks a Switchman to manage train movements, operate track switches, and aid in loading/unloading in rail yards. The role involves inspecting locomotives and electrical systems, performing maintenance, and coordinating with crews to ensure safe operations in a rail environment.

The position emphasizes safety, teamwork, and adherence to FRA regulations while supporting efficient transport services across designated territories.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Experience with track maintenance is preferred.
• Ability to read safety manuals and follow procedures.

Responsibilities

• Move trains safely in yards and on roads.
• Operate track switches and inspect equipment.
• Perform inspections and preventive maintenance on locomotive systems.
• Assist crews to couple/uncouple cars and operate switches.
• Comply with FRA regulations and company rules.

Skills

Safety awareness

Communication

Problem solving

Teamwork

Reading and following safety manuals

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Class A CDL

Valid State Driver's License

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Rail saw

Spike pullers

Track wrench machines

Power drills

Track jack

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Switchman position is a cross functional role that is able to handle several key duties within the Transportation, Engineering & Mechanical Departments. This position oversees the train, freight and crew: operates track switches, couples and uncouples cars and places cars to facilitate loading and unloading, places cars and engines in rail yards and on the main railroad. This position also installs and repairs railroad track on a specified territory of railroad. Safely operates spike pullers and spike drivers: removes old spikes, drives new spikes, and performs related maintenance to railroad track that meet department and company goals, and comply with Federal Railroad Association (FRA) rules and regulations.

This role also performs inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and installation of locomotive mechanical systems, air equipment and electrical systems, and equipment such as: diesel engine, motors, generators, wheels, air brakes, wiring and lighting systems, and other mechanical and electrical components.

The Switchman position demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees that result in OmniTRAX’s continued success.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Move trains safely in the yards and over roads
• Operate track switches, inspect equipment on cars and use radio communications to control train movement
• Performs inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and installation of locomotive mechanical systems, air equipment and electrical systems, and equipment such as: diesel engine, motors, generators, wheels, air brakes, wiring and lighting systems, and other mechanical and electrical components
• Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches and make minor repairs to railcars: including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses
• Communicate with Locomotive Engineer and other parties in the yard using proper hand signals and/or radio communication protocol
• Conduct the movement of rail cars and train movements; signal crew member(s) for movement of the engine or train using lantern, hand and flag signals, or radio to indicate when to start, stop, and back-up or set and release air brakes
• Observe, interpret, and relay arm, lantern, or radio signals and all other indications affecting movement of a train
• Operate track switches (visually checks switch condition and direction) to change the direction of the engine or cars within yard limits or on the main railroad; may apply or release hand brakes to switch or perform other duties
• Safe and efficient operation of locomotive including full mobility in seated position facing forward and to the side
• Manipulate throttle and brake controls; interpret gauges and controls
• Operate valves and switches both inside and outside of the cab including applying and releasing handbrakes
• Adhere to directions from conductors and brakemen
• Work independently and/or with train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and service locomotive including brake shoes, oil, sand and fuel
• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operation and the FRA if applicable
• Work safely in a construction/field environment following the safety rules and carrying out the work in a manner that promotes a safe work environment

• Operate spike pullers, spike drivers to perform construction and maintenance tasks associated with railroad tracks
• Raise rail using track jack to facilitate removal and installation of railroad ties
• Drill holes with power drill through rails for bolt insertion
• Operate track-wrench machine to tighten and/or loosen bolts at rail joints
• Operate rail saw to cut rails into specified lengths

• Drive company vehicles
• Perform CDL work if required by location to meet qualifications of the FMCSA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Subpart B: Qualification and Disqualification of Drivers and other regulations as applicable, including but not limited to, Part §391.11
• Complete inspection and repair reports according to company and FRA specifications and guidelines
• Following general safety rules, perform diagnostics, installation and repair of locomotive components to ensure proper operation and compliance with required federal and company specifications
• Complete periodic inspection per FRA standard and frequency.

OTHER DUTIES

• Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
• Wear required protective equipment such as: hard hats, hearing protection, safety-toe boots or safety glasses
• Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime and various shift work
• Maintain DOT qualifications
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• 18 years of age or older
• Operate hand tools, including: wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, measuring tapes etc.
• Operate power tools and hydraulic equipment, including: portable grinders, rail saws, spike pullers, track wrench machines, power drills, track jack
• Apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed, but uninvolved written or verbal instructions
• Read and follow safety manuals, operating and maintenance instructions, test materials, drawings, schematics, and procedure manuals, gauges and dials on precision measuring tools
• Perform basic shop math concepts to calculate figures and amounts such as: area, circumference, length, distance, and volume
• Write legibly to complete routine reports, and complete required testing
• Familiar with and adhere to track Safety Standards in work completion
• Pass written examinations on the safe operations of trains and maintenance of way standards
• Familiar with Roadway Workers’ Protection (RWP)
• Effectively communicate with all level of employees and business associates in a clear, concise and professional manner
• Basic Computer skills
• Demonstrate problem solving and troubleshooting skills resulting in effective resolution
• Professional integrity and accountability
• Work in fast-paced, collaborative environment

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

• Valid State Driver’s License – pass DOT medical certification and Drivers Qualification File, pass DOT Drug & Alcohol testing if applicable

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Previous experience in Rail Transportation, Supply Chain Logistics, Manufacturing and/or Oil & Gas industries
• High School Diploma/GED
• Backhoe operation experience

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

• Class A CDL

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by the weather including: snow, rain, heat, and sub‑freezing temps

TRAVEL

• Daily travel as business requires during scheduled work hours

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Strength Occ Freq Cons Weight / Force Height From Height To

Lifting - "136-pound Plate" X 18.9 lb Two Hands 0 in 40 in

Lifting - Lining Bar X 26 lb Two Hands 0 in 40 in

Lifting - Claw Bar X 30.7 lb Two Hands 0 in 60 in

Lifting - Impact Wrench X 31 lb Two Hands 0 in 40 in

Lifting - Portable Derail X 44.3 lb Two Hands 0 in 40 in

Lifting - Track Jack X 48.5 lb Two Hands 0 in 40 in

Lifting - Compromise Bar (136/115) X 53.8 lb Two Hands 0 in 40 in

Lifting - 136-pound Angle Bar X 56.1 lb Two Hands 0 in 40 in

Lifting - 136-pound Angle Bar X 58.8 lb Two Hands 0 in 40 in

Lifting - Tools, Parts and Equipment X 65 lb Two Hands 0 in 60 in

Strength Occ Freq Cons Weight / Force Side Height Rotation Grip Pattern Hand Spread

Pushing - Manual Track Wrench X 106 lb Two Hands 35 in Neutral Cylinder

Pushing - Spike Puller/Claw Bar X 118.8 lb Two Hands Waist Pronated Hook

Pushing - Ergo Bow Switch X 133.7 lb Two Hands 35 in Neutral Cylinder

Pulling - Hydraulic Spike Driver X 60.5 lb Two Hands 26 in Pronated Cylinder 13 in

Pulling - Hydraulic Spike Puller X 63.9 lb Two Hands 34 in Pronated Cylinder 10 in

Pulling - Ergo Bow Switch X 75.1 lb Two Hands 35 in Neutral Cylinder

Pulling - High Stand Switch X 87 lb Two Hands 36 in Pronated Cylinder

Pulling - Rail Turner 39-foot Rail (90 lb) X 88.3 lb Two Hands Waist Neutral Cylinder

Pulling - 10-Foot Tie with Tie Tongs X 119.1 lb Two Hands 30 in Neutral Hook

Pulling - Drag 10-Foot Tie with Tie Tongs X 174.7 lb Two Hands 25 in Neutral Hook

Upper Body Occ Freq Cons Description

Reaching - Below Knee X Extending hand(s) and arm(s) below the level of the knee.

Reaching - Over Shoulder X Extending hand(s) and arm(s) above shoulder level.

Reaching - Knee to Shoulder X Extending hand(s) and arm(s) between knee and shoulder level.

Handling - Both X Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hands.

Fingering - Fine Motor Manipulation X Picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers.

Cervical Flexion/Extension X Flexing and/or extending at the cervical spine.

Rotation - Cervical X Rotating at the cervical spine.

Rotation - Thoracic & Lumbar X Rotating at the thoracic and lumbar spine.

Lower Body Occ Freq Cons Dist. Description

Sitting X Remaining in a seated position.

Standing X Remaining on one’s feet in an upright position without moving about.

Walking X Moving about on foot. Walk on uneven surfaces.

Climbing X Ascending or descending between two points.

Balancing X Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.

Stooping X Bending body forward by bending spine at the waist.

Kneeling - Two Knees X Bending legs at knees to come to rest on one or both knees.

Crouching/Squatting X Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.

*Occ=Occasional; defined as 1-33% of a usual and customary workday.

*Freq=Frequent; defined as 34-66% of a usual and customary workday.

*Cons=Constant; defined as 67-100% of a usual and customary workday.

** Not all tasks required at each location. Position and physical demand is representative, but individualized assessment may be necessary.