Switchman

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.

At G&W, we live by our Core Values

Safety, Service, Integrity, Respect, Transparency, Accountability, Innovation and Excellence
. We offer competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, and paid training to help you succeed. Check out some of our great benefits below:

Medical, Dental, Vision & Telehealth

Life Insurance

• Optional benefit coverages for Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital, ID Theft & Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings account plans

Employee Assistance Program

401(k) Retirement Plan

On the Job Training

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

And more!

• Benefits are subject to change and may vary by labor agreement
• This position

DOES NOT

• pay into Railroad Retirement
• Explore your future with G&W today and learn more about the opportunities to grow across our organization!

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 regulations
• Follow instructions when working with a certified trainer, mentor, or supervisor
• Communicate with customers and team members using oral, written, hand signals, lantern signals or radio instructions to coordinate train or railcar movement
• Operate track switches to determine the route of the train or rail equipment
• Evaluate, plan, and complete all assigned work safely and efficiently
• Climb on and off equipment and walk the length of the train or rail yard to support train operations
• Apply or release hand brakes on railcars multiple times a day to control movement
• Read and understand the rule books and other written or printed material
• Inspect the condition of railcars in movement and while stationary
• Connect air hoses and electrical components between locomotives or railcars
• Utilize basic computer skills proficiently for electronic reporting and train documentation
• Perform other duties as assigned

Working 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 needed
• Outdoor work in all weather conditions working up to a 12-hour shift
• Walking long distances on uneven surfaces and climbing ladders and equipment always ensuring three points of contact in varying environmental conditions
• Able to lift up to 75 pounds from floor to waist and carry short distances
• Able to squat, bend and lift overhead
• Have good balance and coordination
• Must meet vision requirements

Skills and Experience

• 2+ years of related or relevant work experience is a plus
• Effective communication skills both written and verbal
• Experience working in a safety-sensitive environment is a plus
• Possess situational awareness and decision-making abilities to respond effectively in a safety sensitive environment

Required Education and Credentials

• High school diploma or GED; or an equivalent combination of education and/or work experience
• Valid driver’s license
• At least 18 years of age

Employment Requirements

• Pre-employment physical, hearing, and vision medical review
• May be subject to federally mandated drug and alcohol testing including pre-employment drug screening
• Background screening including criminal and motor vehicle driving history

Relocation

• Must live within 50 miles of assigned location or be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.
• This position is employed by the specific entity set forth in the job posting.