Overview
Join to apply for the Switchman role at Genesee & Wyoming Inc.
Company / Benefits Overview : Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) team — part of a legacy that is over 125 years old. With a network of 100+ individual freight railroads and 4,000 employees across North America, we provide transportation and logistics services to more than 2,000 customers.
- This position does NOT pay into Railroad Retirement
Job Summary
As a Switchman, you'll play a key role in safely operating rail equipment to ensure that freight is delivered to our customers efficiently. We will provide you with hands-on and classroom training to set a strong foundation for a long-term career. You'll work outdoors in all weather conditions, tackling new challenges each day while ensuring we meet our customers' needs. This is a physically active position with real opportunities for growth and advancement in a complex and dynamic environment.
See our employees in action to learn more at https : / / www.gwrr.com / careers / .
Responsibilities
Comply with all federal, state, and other applicable railroad safety and operational regulationsFollow instructions when working with a certified trainer, mentor, or supervisorCommunicate with customers and team members using oral, written, hand signals, lantern signals or radio instructions to coordinate train or railcar movementOperate track switches to determine the route of the train or rail equipmentEvaluate, plan, and complete all assigned work safely and efficientlyClimb on and off equipment and walk the length of the train or rail yard to support train operationsApply or release hand brakes on railcars multiple times a day to control movementRead and understand the rule books and other written or printed materialInspect the condition of railcars in movement and while stationaryConnect air hoses and electrical components between locomotives or railcarsUtilize basic computer skills proficiently for electronic reporting and train documentationPerform other duties as assignedWorking Conditions / Physical Requirements
Full-time (40 plus hours weekly)Varying schedule in a 24 / 7 work environment that includes nights, holidays, weekends, and on-call as neededOutdoor work in all weather conditions working up to a 12-hour shiftWalking long distances on uneven surfaces and climbing ladders and equipment always ensuring three points of contact in varying environmental conditionsAble to lift up to 75 pounds from floor to waist and carry short distancesAble to squat, bend and lift overheadHave good balance and coordinationMust meet vision requirementsSkills And Experience
2+ years of related or relevant work experience is a plusEffective communication skills both written and verbalExperience working in a safety-sensitive environment is a plusPossess situational awareness and decision-making abilities to respond effectively in a safety sensitive environmentRequired Education And Credentials
High school diploma or GED; or an equivalent combination of education and / or work experienceValid driver's licenseAt least eighteen years of ageEmployment Requirements
Pre-employment physical, hearing, and vision medical reviewMay be subject to federally mandated drug and alcohol testing including pre-employment drug screeningBackground screening including criminal and motor vehicle driving historyRelocation
Must live within 50 miles of assigned location or be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected status protected under federal, state or local laws.
Seniority level
Entry levelEmployment type
Full-timeJob function
Management and ManufacturingIndustries
Rail TransportationJ-18808-Ljbffr