Track Laborer

Lake State Railway Company; McGrew Junction (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Lake State Railway Company is seeking a maintenance worker to uphold and repair elements of the right-of-way and to construct and dismantle tracks. The role requires adherence to GCOR, FRA safety rules, and company procedures, with duties spanning from track inspections to operating track machinery.

Responsibilities include repairing track components, unloading ballast, and ensuring timely completion of forms. Availability for day, evening, night shifts, weekends, and holidays is required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of GCOR, FRA and safety rules.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe environment and ensure compliance with railroad rules, FRA and company procedures.
• Correct deviations in track surface, alignment, and gauge; replace or repair switches and tracks.
• Unload ballast and track materials as needed.
• Inspect track and right-of-way for safety and compliance.
• Operate track machinery and tools (rail saw, track wrench, spike maul, etc.).
• Complete required forms and documentation promptly.
• Work day and night, including weekends and holidays; overtime may be required.

Skills

GCOR rules

FRA rules

Safety procedures

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Accountability

Dependability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Valid driver’s license

CDL license preferred

Job description

Summary:

This position will require an individual to maintain and repair all elements of the right-of-way along with constructing and dismantling tracks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain a safe environment and ensure compliance with all railroad rules, procedures, and regulations for safety, operations and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
• Correct deviations in track surface, alignment, and gauge; accurately cut rail; replace or repair switches; remove and replace tracks and their components.
• Unloads or assists in unloading of ballast, as well as unloading and distribution of track material.
• Be vigilant of track and structure issues, observing conditions which may impact the safety or condition of railroad property.
• Perform continual on-track inspections of all trackage and right-of-way facilities at required intervals to ensure safe train operation and compliance with company standards and FRA track safety standards.
• Operates tools in the performance of duties such as rail saw, track wrench, spike maul, come-a-long, claw bar, and others as needed.
• Sprays switches, angle bars, curves and joints; lubricates track when/where necessary.
• Accurately complete and submit all required forms in a timely manner.
• Safely operate track machinery and equipment as required.
• Work in a safe and effective manner in a team environment with other co-workers and contractors.
• Properly inspect, utilize, store, and maintain all tools, materials, and equipment.
• Communicate effectively in writing or verbally via telephone and two-way radios.
• Receive instruction in written form from bulletins, orders, or other related materials.
• Remove brush, snow, vegetation, and other obstructions from the right-of-way.
• Complete required tasks in a timely manner as tasks can be time sensitive.
• Other duties as assigned.

Since trains run day and night, this position will require work on days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Overtime hours will be required.

Competencies:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Ability to interpret and understand GCOR, FRA, On-Track Worker Safety Rules, and other applicable rules and regulations.
• Strong oral and written communication; ability to speak and write clearly and informatively.
• Ability to balance team and individual responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and approach others in a tactful manner.
• Ability to react well under pressure in high stressed situations displays integrity by holding oneself personally accountable.
• Dependability and follow-through commitments; consistently at work on time.
• Observe all safety and security procedures; determine appropriate action beyond guidelines; report potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment and materials properly.
• Strong attention to detail and safety procedures; ability to maintain focus for the entirety of the shift.
• Analytical thinking skills to analyze information and use logic to troubleshoot issues.
• Ability to build harmonious relationships with your colleagues and supervisors.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below.

• Ability to frequently stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Ability to talk and hear accurately in person, via the telephone, or via two-way radio.
• Position involves performing heavy work. Must be able to push, pull, lift and carry up to 25 pounds frequently; up to 50 pounds occasionally; and up to 75 pounds infrequently. Must be able to exert a negligible amount of force constantly.
• Eye-hand coordination as well as ability to grasp. Must be able to operate common and specialized hand tools in performing assigned tasks. Ability to handle and move objects, using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials.
• Must be able to walk about on foot to accomplish tasks; maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing or moving about on uneven and/or slippery ground or equipment.
• Ability to step on and off equipment safely and work and balance from ladders to perform tasks Must be able to recognize and distinguish colors displayed by signals, signs, etc.

Work Environment:

• Employee will be regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and equipment, loud noise, dust, irritants, fumes, fuel odor, uneven ground, and other outdoor weather conditions. Employee will be required to wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, reflective vests, safety boots, hearing protection and gloves where the Company requires.

Education and Training:

• High School Diploma or GED required; 18 years of age or older.
• Valid motor vehicle operator's license with ability to drive a company vehicle per commercial vehicle requirements. A valid CDL license and/or the ability to fulfill and maintain a CDL license.
• Related track maintenance experience preferred.

This safety-sensitive position will be subject to drug and alcohol FRA random screening.