Rail Switching Technician

Rail Switching Technician

Railserve is hiring dependable and safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in South Charleston, WV 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.

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 performing physical work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Strong attendance, communication skills, and a commitment to safety are critical for success in this role.

Railserve promotes from within and provides opportunities for advancement into Crew Leader, Site Leadership, and other skilled rail operations positions.

Schedule:

• Monday through Friday
• 6:00 PM 2:00 AM
• Evening/overnight shift
• Overtime may be required based on operational needs

Compensation:

Starting pay: $20.00 per hour

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
• Strong attendance and dependability required
• Ability to work assigned evening and overnight hours
• 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
• Evening and overnight work in varying weather conditions
• Exposure to locomotives, railcars, moving machinery, noise, dust, and industrial equipment
• Moderate to heavy physical labor required
• Frequent standing, walking, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, and lifting
• Use of hand tools, power tools, and rail equipment
• 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.