Rail Road Laborer

Vulcan Materials Company•Dallas, GA

11d

About The Position

The Rail Road Laborer operates and maintains rail equipment and supports rail operations, including track maintenance, signaling, train dispatching, switching, and loading. The role monitors train movements, communicates with train crews and maintenance personnel, follows safety regulations and operating procedures, conducts inspections, performs minor repairs, and assists with emergencies and coordination across departments. The position also weighs trucks, enters transaction details into a computer, collects cash or checks, interfaces with company personnel and outside haulers, and generates bills of sale, dray tickets, and bills of lading. It involves inspecting railcars and equipment before movement; communicating with locomotive operators by radio; coupling and uncoupling cars; operating switches, uncoupling levers, and remote controls; setting and releasing hand brakes; and making minor train repairs. The employee performs start-up and shutdown procedures, monitors and adjusts material flow and load-out settings, and operates equipment to load finished product into railcars. Work may involve high or precarious locations, cramped spaces, awkward positions, and outdoor exposure to varying or extreme weather. The employee must maintain a clean and safe work area and comply with all safety rules. The role requires travel with the train along its assigned route, as well as overtime, weekend work, and a flexible schedule when needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of training and work experience.
Proficiency operating and maintaining rail equipment, including locomotives, railcars, and specialized equipment.
Strong mechanical and electrical skills.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to perform switching, loading and unloading, and breaking up or making up trains.
Ability to operate hand-controlled rail switches, pneumatic air valves, manual hand-wheel brakes on railcars, high-pressure water hoses, a pry bar, and a shovel.
Ability to safely and efficiently operate rail load-out equipment, including conveyor belts, crushers, motors, gearboxes, and screens.
Ability to read and understand technical manuals and schematics.
Ability to work outdoors in varying or extreme weather conditions, including heat, wet conditions, and cold.
Ability to work required overtime, weekends, and a flexible schedule as needed.
Ability to travel with the train on its assigned route to protect the train's movement.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods; grip, climb, reach, shovel, squat, crawl, pull, push, bend, and lift up to 45 pounds.
Ability to work in high or precarious places and cramped spaces requiring awkward positions.
Ability to speak and read English and have a working knowledge of English if required for the position.
Ability to recognize equipment malfunctions, conduct basic maintenance checks, troubleshoot minor issues, and report signs of malfunction to the maintenance team.
Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve work-related issues using practical knowledge and hands-on skills.
Ability to recognize workplace hazards and follow safety protocols and procedures.
Ability to collaborate effectively, communicate openly, adapt to changing conditions, and support team members.

Nice To Haves

Office and clerical experience, including word processing and calculator operations.
Knowledge of rail weight regulations, capacities, and limitations.

Responsibilities

Weigh trucks and enter transaction information, such as price, product, weight, and customer name, into a computer.
Collect cash and checks and interface with company personnel and outside haulers.
Generate bills of sale, dray tickets, and bills of lading.
Inspect equipment on railcars before movement and communicate with locomotive operators by radio during coupling and uncoupling.
Operate rail switches, uncoupling levers, remote-control devices, hand brakes, and other rail equipment.
Inspect rail equipment and infrastructure and perform minor repairs and maintenance, including replacing broken knuckles and air-brake hoses.
Operate and maintain locomotives, railcars, and specialized equipment.
Perform switching, loading and unloading, and breaking up or making up trains.
Perform start-up and shutdown procedures; monitor and adjust material flow and load-out settings to support production and product quality.
Operate load-out machinery, including equipment used to load finished product into railcars.
Receive and review directions from supervisors, lead personnel, and clerks, and discuss work with locomotive engineers and other crew members.
Travel with the train on its assigned route to protect the movement of the train.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment and comply with safety rules and regulations.
Assist with emergency response and coordinate with other departments as needed for safe and efficient rail operations.