Rail Switching Technician- Kankakee, IL

Rail Switching Technician

Railserve is hiring dependable and safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Kankakee, IL to support daily rail switching operations within an industrial rail environment. This is a full-time, hands-on role critical to the safe movement, placement, and switching of railcars that support customer operations and production schedules. This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and being part of a safety-focused team. Railserve provides opportunities for long-term career growth and advancement within rail operations.

Rail Switching Technicians are responsible for safely operating locomotives and rail equipment while coordinating railcar movement throughout an industrial facility. This role supports the timely and accurate switching, placement, and movement of railcars while maintaining compliance with company safety procedures and customer operating requirements.

Employees work in active industrial rail yard environments around locomotives, railcars, heavy equipment, and moving machinery. Daily responsibilities include operating switches and brakes, coupling and uncoupling railcars, inspecting equipment, and communicating movement instructions with crews and site leadership.

The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-focused, mechanically inclined, and comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Strong attendance, communication skills, and a commitment to safety are critical for success in this role.

Schedule:

Wednesday through Sunday

8:00 AM 4:00 PM

Monday and Tuesday off

Overtime may be required based on operational needs

Compensation: $21.00-$23.00 per hour, based on experience.

Duties:

Operate locomotives and rail equipment safely and efficiently

Perform railcar switching and placement according to operational schedules

Interpret train orders, signals, and operating procedures

Inspect locomotives prior to operation

Operate hand and ground throw switches, derails, and gates

Control equipment movement using radio communication, hand signals, and lanterns

Couple and uncouple railcars and connect air hoses

Apply and release hand brakes to secure equipment

Observe tracks and surroundings for safety hazards or obstructions

Handle train equipment safely using independent and automatic brakes

Assist in training new employees as needed

Complete reports related to delays, incidents, or operational activity

Lubricate and inspect locomotive components as required

Wear required personal protective equipment at all times

Follow company operating procedures and safety requirements

Perform additional operational duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

High school diploma or GED required

Reliable transportation required

Strong attendance and dependability required

Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions

Ability to walk on uneven terrain and climb on rail equipment

Ability to lift, carry, and handle heavy equipment and materials

Strong communication and teamwork skills

Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities safely and effectively

Strong attention to detail and situational awareness

Ability to follow safety rules, operating procedures, and instructions

Ability to participate in Railserve's pre-employment screening process

Military experience is a plus

What We Offer (Benefits):

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

Company-paid employee and dependent life insurance

Company-paid sickness and accident income

401(k) with company match

Annual safety shoe reimbursement

Prescription safety wear

Holiday pay

Vacation

Marmon employee discount program

Additional Information:

Outdoor industrial rail yard environment

Exposure to locomotives, railcars, moving machinery, noise, dust, and varying weather conditions

Moderate to heavy physical labor required

Frequent walking, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, and lifting

Required use of personal protective equipment

Safety-sensitive position requiring strict compliance with company and customer safety procedures

Grow With Us:

Don't worry if you don't meet every qualification. Railserve values reliability, work ethic, and a willingness to learn. Our tools, technology, and processes continue to evolve, and we invest in training and developing our people for long-term success.

Railserve provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. We recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.