Rail Switch Operator

Radius Recycling•Birmingham, AL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Rail Switch Operator will report to a member of the Operations Leadership Team. They are responsible for throwing rail switches in cooperation with Trackmobile Operator for proper movement of all railcars. This position operates under flexible parameters. The primary goal of this position is to achieve excellence in all facets of the position. Providing the highest quality product safely, effectively and efficiently decreases accidents and errors and increase profits. Essential Functions Environmental and Health & Safety (H&S) Strictly adheres to all Metals Recycling Business Health, Safety, and Environmental standards. Provides a safe environment for all employees, customers and visitors. Operational Performance & Best Business Practices Couple and uncouple railcars, maximum 80 pounds Continually set and release brakes and chocks on all railcars, maximum 70-pound weights Verify all scrap is moved from railcar before moving car from under the crane way Use buddy system for scrap weighing more than 40 pounds Continually perform related duties as directed by supervisor Help put wheels back on rails when car derails. Equipment & Maintenance Report all equipment deficiencies or malfunctions to proper supervisor for maintenance and repair Internal Control Responsibilities Supports the Company’s Internal Control process which includes understanding, communicating, and complying with defined internal controls as well as suggesting and making modifications to the policies, procedures, and controls to better relate to the business. Communicates upward problems in operations, noncompliance with the code of conduct, or other policy violations or illegal actions. Supervisory Responsibilities This position does not encompass any supervisory responsibilities. Interpersonal Contacts Direct contact with Operations Leadership Team, and operations production employees. Communicates via face-to-face interaction and radio with yard personnel. Job Conditions This position is regularly exposed to all weather conditions. Physical hazards such as noise, fumes, and dirt are present due to the equipment, machinery, and scrap as would be found throughout the scrap yard. Safety shoes, hearing protection, respirators, face shields, and additional personal protective equipment as needed, must be worn to eliminate the risks associated with these hazards. Travel is not required for this position. Handling multiple issues regarding safety and maintenance increases pressure. Workload may be unpredictable, and pressure can be substantial during peak times. Critical deadlines require considerable adaptability. Disturbances of workflow and/or irregularities in work schedule are expected and occur on an intermittent basis. Extra hours may be required, sometimes on weekends, weekdays, and holidays. Physical Activities Required to Perform Essential Functions Ability to: sitting rarely on breaks or occasionally in Trackmobile cab; Standing/walking continually. Fast paced walk on gravel and concrete as well as smooth and rough and uneven surfaces; Couching (bend at knees) frequently when throwing ground-level switches; Stooping frequently when throwing switches and checking under railcars for debris; Reaching frequently when throwing switches and checking inside railcars; Twisting/turning frequently when getting couplers into position, watching for clearance and when throwing switches; Climbing frequently when getting on and off Trackmobile and railcars; Height is 18 inches off ground to first step of ladder or step; Crawling occasionally, must check under railcars and while removing scrap and debris that has fallen under cars; Leg/foot control, rarely; Handling, frequently, setting brakes on railcars and handling chocks; Fingering/feeling/grasping frequently must grasp switches, coupler release handle and stair handles.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED

Nice To Haves

Certification preferred.
Related training or experience operating different types of cranes preferred.

Responsibilities

throwing rail switches in cooperation with Trackmobile Operator for proper movement of all railcars
Couple and uncouple railcars, maximum 80 pounds
Continually set and release brakes and chocks on all railcars, maximum 70-pound weights
Verify all scrap is moved from railcar before moving car from under the crane way
Use buddy system for scrap weighing more than 40 pounds
Continually perform related duties as directed by supervisor
Help put wheels back on rails when car derails
Report all equipment deficiencies or malfunctions to proper supervisor for maintenance and repair
Supports the Company’s Internal Control process which includes understanding, communicating, and complying with defined internal controls as well as suggesting and making modifications to the policies, procedures, and controls to better relate to the business.
Communicates upward problems in operations, noncompliance with the code of conduct, or other policy violations or illegal actions.