Track Laborer - Kalamazoo, MI

Watco; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 27,552 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-the-job training

Leadership programs

Career advancement

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Watco seeks a Track Laborer to inspect, repair, and maintain railroad track infrastructure ensuring safe service for customers. The role is manual labor with a structured training period.

The candidate must possess a valid driver's license, with Class A CDL preferred, and pass required training and certifications. Starting hourly pay is provided with opportunities for growth and skill development within Watco's network.

Qualifications

• Must be able to pass and/or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, repair, and maintain railroad track infrastructure.
• Operate equipment such as backhoe and track hoe.
• Read gauges, maintenance manuals and schematics.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Able to pass training

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support‑services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco.

Here’s What You Can Expect From Watco

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on‑the‑job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

Starting Hourly Rate: $22.00

The Track Laborer will be required to safely and efficiently inspect, repair, and maintain the railroad track infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient service for our customers. The Track Labor position is a manual labor position, which requires that the individual becomes proficient in the following skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory period.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Assist with inspecting, loading & unloading, distribution and installation of rail, rail components, cross ties, switch ties, ballast, and other track materials
• Assist with inspecting, grinding, fabrication and repair of rail and track components
• Assist with inspection, maintenance, repair and construction of track turnouts, switch stands, and track infrastructure
• Assist with inspection, construction, demolition, and maintenance of track surface structure, gauge, tie removal and disposal, tie replacement and roadbed rehabilitation
• Inspect, protect, construct, maintain, and repair road crossings, bridges, culverts and tunnels, facilities, snow fences, signs and equipment
• Cut and dispose of vegetation using tools, equipment and manual labor
• Clean ice, snow, dirt and debris from switches
• Remove snow, ice or other foreign materials from track infrastructure
• Accurate and timely reporting as required
• Read and accurately interpret company documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and federal and state regulations
• Communicate professionally and effectively
• Learn, understand and apply a comprehensive understanding of track authority
• Comply with performance metrics measurements and deadlines
• Practice safe work habits and follow company and industry policies, procedures and regulations
• Respond promptly to any accident, incident or emergency call
• Read gauges, precision measuring instruments, schematics and maintenance manuals 100% of the time
• Operate equipment such as backhoe and track hoe
• Perform other duties as assigned or required

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must be able to pass and or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position.

• Must possess a valid driver's license
• Class A CDL preferred

Must Be Able To Pass The Training Courses Below

• Track Ground School
• Federal Railroad Administration General Code of Operating Rules written test
• Roadway Worker Protection Worker written test
• Fall Protection written test
• Maintenance of Way safety written test
• MSHA/OSHA training and certification (if required on site)

Education

• Must be 18 years of age or older with High School or GED equivalent