Track Laborer - Roanoke, VA
About The Position
The Track Laborer performs physical labor using hand tools and equipment to construct, alter, repair, maintain, and demolish railroad tracks, associated structures, and components. The role works as a member of a local Line Maintenance crew. The position is based in Roanoke, Virginia, and may require travel to various job sites, including overnight stays and short-notice mobilization. The job involves handling track materials and railroad ties; attaching and removing rail spikes; connecting, disconnecting, and cutting rail; moving and tamping ballast; raising tracks and related structures; drilling holes; and working alongside heavy equipment. Employees participate in safety meetings and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Able to lift and carry a minimum of 75 pounds.
- Willing and able to travel to various job sites, including sites requiring overnight stays and short-notice mobilization.
- Able to work in inclement weather and/or conditions.
- Able to walk one-quarter to two miles per day on railroad right of way, negotiating steep grades and rough terrain without assistance.
- Able to work unsupervised at times.
- Interact effectively as a crew member.
- Understand and follow verbal and visual communications.
- Understand and respond to audible and visual signals and warnings.
- Quickly learn and perform job duties.
- Recognize, avoid, and report potential hazards.
Responsibilities
- Carry and place track materials using hand tools, including tie tongs, rail tongs, rail forks, lining bars, shovels, and jacks.
- Attach rail to ties using spike mauls or spike drivers.
- Remove spikes using claw bars, spike lifters, and spike pullers.
- Lift, position, handle, remove, and install railroad crossties in and around the track structure.
- Connect and disconnect rail using track, impact, or power wrenches, or welding materials.
- Move, clean, and tamp ballast using shovels, tamping picks, clay picks, lining bars, and ballast forks.
- Raise tracks, turnouts, crossings, and rails with track or power jacks.
- Cut associated materials with oxygen-acetylene torches, rail saws, cut-off saws, and cold chisels.
- Drill holes using gasoline, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric drill motors.
- Work alongside heavy equipment by connecting, disconnecting, and controlling materials being moved and directing their movement.
- Participate in safety meetings.
- Wear all appropriate personal protective equipment.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
