Railroad Maintenance Vehicle Operator

Army Transportation • Southport, NC

9d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the US Army Transportation Command, 596th U.S. Army Transportation Surface Brigade, 832nd US Transportation Battalion, located in Southport, North Carolina. Duties include safely operating various motor vehicles and maintenance cars on public roads and rights-of-way to haul work crews, materials, and specialized maintenance equipment to work sites. The role requires maintaining constant situational awareness and a defensive driving posture to prevent collisions with train traffic, road vehicles, and ground personnel. The operator will independently plan, sequence, and coordinate daily work steps, equipment utilization, and technical computer profiles to complete complex track restoration projects within established deadlines. This involves evaluating track inspection findings to determine necessary corrective actions, prioritizing repair efforts based on hazard severity, and coordinating logistical support for urgent maintenance. The position requires fine hand, foot, and eye coordination to operate multi-lever heavy earthmoving equipment and highly computerized track maintenance vehicles adjacent to active rail corridors and utility hazards. Additionally, the operator will use powerful hydraulic hand tools, specialized rail machinery, and heavy maintenance equipment while strictly adhering to safety protocols. Responsibilities also include clearing debris, hazardous terrain, and environmental obstructions along railroad rights-of-way, shaping track beds and contours, and organizing, storing, and accounting for specialized tools and equipment.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Appointment to this position is subject to a background investigation to determine your suitability for Federal employment.
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
• This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
• Appointment to this position is subject to a one year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 11.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 25% of the time.
• The incumbent must obtain and maintain a valid State Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B within one year of employment (or possess upon appointment as required locally).
• Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain Department of the Army/installation operator licenses for assigned self-propelled computerized track maintenance vehicles and heavy engineering earthmoving equipment.
• Must complete the Department of the Army Railroad Safety Course and successfully pass the examination within 30 days of appointment, and attend annual refresher training thereafter.
• Position is designated as inclement weather essential.
• Incumbent is subject to call-back and overtime during irregular hours in cases of derailments, track washouts, or emergency rail transport requirements.
• This position has a requirement to lift up to 80 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.
• Ability to do the work of a Railroad Maintenance Vehicle Operator without more than normal supervision.
• Ability to operate mechanical railroad maintenance equipment (such as track liners, tie extractors, or rail pullers) to perform standard track alignment, tie replacement, and ballasting based on physical markings and standard operating procedures.
• Operating standard heavy earthmoving and construction equipment (such as backhoes, front-end loaders, or excavators) to excavate, backfill, and grade track beds.
• Performing regular safety and structural inspections of rail corridors to identify common defects.
• Conducting routine preventative operator maintenance on heavy vehicles and equipment under general supervisory direction.
• Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
• Ability to Plan and Organize Work
• Dexterity and Safety Work Practices (Including Keeping Things Neat, Clean, and in Order)
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Safely operates 1/2-ton up to Class B motor vehicles and motor maintenance cars on public roads and rights-of-way to haul work crews, materials, and specialized maintenance equipment to work sites.
• Maintains constant situational awareness and defensive driving posture when operating mobile equipment and utility vehicles to actively prevent collisions with train traffic, road vehicles, and ground personnel.
• Independently plans, sequences, and coordinates daily work steps, equipment utilization, and technical computer profiles to complete complex track restoration projects within established deadlines.
• Evaluates track inspection findings to determine necessary corrective actions, prioritizes repair efforts based on hazard severity, and coordinates logistical support for urgent maintenance.
• Uses fine hand, foot, and eye coordination to operate multi-lever heavy earthmoving equipment and highly computerized track maintenance vehicles adjacent to active rail corridors and utility hazards.
• Operates powerful hydraulic hand tools, specialized rail machinery, and heavy maintenance equipment while strictly adhering to safety protocols to prevent injuries from pinch points and high-pressure lines.
• Clears debris, hazardous terrain, and environmental obstructions along railroad rights-of-way, shaping track beds and contours to ensure a clean, stable, and orderly rail corridor.
• Organizes, stores, and accounts for specialized hand tools, measuring instruments, and vehicle attachments, ensuring all equipment is clean and properly stored after track maintenance operations.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Learn more about federal benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed