Track Laborer - IR

OmniTRAX; Ottawa (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

OmniTRAX, Inc. is seeking a Track Laborer to install and repair railroad track across a defined territory. You will safely operate spike pullers/drivers, raise rails, drill and bolt installations, and perform related maintenance to meet department goals and FRA regulations.

The role emphasizes safety, ownership, teamwork, and reliability while supporting customer and employee partnerships that drive OmniTRAX’s success.

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older.
• Pass DOT medical certification and Drivers Qualification File requirements.
• Familiar with railroad safety standards and FRA rules.
• Ability to read safety manuals and follow procedures.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with railroad safety rules and FRA regulations.
• Operate spike pullers/drivers and maintain tracks in a designated territory.
• Raise rail with track jack; drill holes for bolts; install components.
• Use track-wrench machine and rail saw for maintenance tasks.
• Drive company vehicles and comply with CFR Part §391.11 requirements.
• Maintain DOT qualifications and wear required PPE.
• Perform other duties as assigned and work varied shifts.

Skills

Hand tools

Power tools

Safety manuals

Track standards

RWP awareness

Written exams

Communication

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Spike pullers

Spike drivers

Track wrench machine

Rail saw

Track jack

Portable grinders

Power drills

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Track Laborer 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.

The Track Laborer 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

• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operation and the FRA
• 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 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

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

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