Railroad Tamper Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Tamper Operator Surfacing Crew

Business Unit: Complete Track Works                

Department: Construction

Travel: 90 % or more outside region.

Schedule: M-F 07:00-15:30 with OT, Occasional weekends, additional hours as necessary.

Summary:

The Tamper Operator’s position is to perform the work that the machine is designed for as a member of the surfacing crew.  The Tamper Operator Will Operate a variety of equipment within the railroad system to move, load, or unload various ballast & railroad materials and install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures.

The machine is a 6700 Jackson Tampers with Jupiter 2 system.

• Installs equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures.
• Operates On-track equipment to rehabilitate, constructs, or install railroad track.
• Operates construction equipment to move, load, or unload material.
• Operates equipment in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with governing regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinates machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.

• Manage the distribution of ballast, whether by roto dump, front end loader, or by using rail car.
• Ability to run a tamper or direct tamper operator to establish work requirements and meet precise job specifications.
• Must be able to trouble shoot and/or diagnose machine problems to ensure steady production in the field.

• Perform maintenance and make repairs on machine and related equipment as necessary.
• Perform minor mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic repairs in the field and/or the shop.
• Order parts on their own and communicate with the mechanic.
• Must be able to work alone in remote locations independently and with minimum supervision.
• Communicate any safety or mechanical issues to supervisor.
• Inspect and recognize any deviation from FRA track safety standards part 213.

• Responsible for the safe completion and inspection of assigned task.

• Meet job production objectives safely, and within budget, with respect to detail and quality.

• Must fill out, maintain, and produce accurate and up-to-date production reports.

• Assist in the restoration, renewal, maintenance, and new construction of track structures as needed.
• Works with Truck drivers loads and offloads equipment as it arrives and exits project site.
• Takes action to avoid potential hazards and obstructions, such as utilities, other equipment, other workers, structural objects, and through traffic.
• Perform manual labor consisting of crouching, bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and lifting while working at ground level.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Will perform work on Railroad as directed.

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

• Ability to operate a production tamper and various types of on-track and off track equipment.

• Track record of successful project management.
• Basic Internet and computer skills.
• Successful management of surfacing projects.
• Experience using hand tools, power tools and hydraulic equipment.
• Knowledge of and ability to adhere to safety requirements and procedures.
• Ability to work on their own in remote locations independently.
• Willingness to wear the proper and required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as hard hat, steel toed boots, eye and hearing protection and face shields and other PPE required for specific tasks.
• The ability to communicate in a professional manner with owners, owner’s representatives, customers, and direct supervisor.
• Basic internet, computer and/or other handheld device skills needed for payroll reports, equipment reports, safety and equipment reports, and email correspondence.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform on uneven or slippery surfaces, platforms, ladders, and equipment in all weather and temperature conditions. Most of the day could be spent standing on foot. Eye/hand coordination, hand/feet dexterity and grasping hand tools, materials & equipment is required. The employee is frequently required to perform manual labor & physical activities that require considerable use of the whole body, such as standing and lifting from various levels.

• Additional physical demands are listed in the chart below.

• May require travel to various facilities and provide additional services.

• Continuous: Must wear appropriate safety equipment such as safety glasses, hard hats, safety footwear, and hearing protection as required by the company. Exposed to noise.
• Frequent: Exposure to smoke, dust, fumes, odors, grease & oil. Works outdoors in hot and cold temperatures and in all extreme weather conditions. Exposed to vibration. Works with moving machinery and mechanical parts, works at heights.
• Occasional: Exposure to electrical hazards, works in cramped quarters, works inside, chemicals, stand on concrete, shift work, walks on uneven or slippery surface, wet conditions, works with others & alone, paperwork.
• Rare: Works with toxic materials.

• GED or High School Diploma.
• 3+ Years experience operating a production tamper or heavy construction equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• CDL Required
• Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to railroad driver provisions.

Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to:

1. Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment. 

2. Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.

3. Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.

4. Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position. 

Overtime available

Relocation assistance available

$60 a day per diem when traveling overnight

Must be willing and able to travel overnight during the workweek, with the potential for extended schedules depending on project needs

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.