Travel‑Ready Rail Tamper Operator

Railserve; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Annual safety shoe reimbursement

Vacation

Job summary

Railserve Track Services is hiring a Tamper Operator in Indiana. The role focuses on operating rail-mounted tamping machines to align and stabilize ballast, ensuring track geometry and safe train operations. Requires familiarity with railway safety standards and proper equipment handling.

Travel to various sites is required. The position offers field work outdoors in all weather conditions and potential night shifts or weekend hours during outages, with a strong emphasis on safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum 1–2 years of experience in railroad maintenance or operating rail-bound machinery.
• Certification for railway equipment operation (e.g., FRA-compliant training or company-specific certification).
• Strong understanding of track geometry and alignment principles.
• Safety-first mindset and knowledge of railway safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Operate rail-mounted tampers to align, level, and compact track ballast beneath railway ties.
• Follow track maintenance schedules and procedures under the direction of the Track Supervisor.
• Adjust and calibrate tamping equipment for specific rail conditions and tolerances.
• Read and interpret track diagrams, work orders, and machine settings.
• Conduct routine pre-operation inspections of tamping machines to ensure proper function and safety.
• Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting of tamping equipment.
• Collaborate with other maintenance-of-way (MOW) personnel including surfacing crews, welders, and track inspectors.
• Report unsafe conditions, track defects, or equipment malfunctions to appropriate personnel.
• Maintain accurate daily logs and production records.

Skills

Railroad maintenance

Track geometry

Safety protocols

Equipment operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Rail tamping machines

Job description

Railserve Track Services is hiring a Tamper Operator in Indiana. The role focuses on operating rail-mounted tamping machines to align and stabilize ballast, ensuring track geometry and safe train operations. Requires familiarity with railway safety standards and proper equipment handling.

Travel to various sites is required. The position offers field work outdoors in all weather conditions and potential night shifts or weekend hours during outages, with a strong emphasis on safety and teamwork.