Track Laborer; Alaska Railroad

Note: This is an FRA-covered position. FRA-covered employees are those employees who have been assigned to perform regulated services as roadway workers and are therefore subject to the random pool for monthly drug and alcohol testing.

As a member of crew or gang, lays, aligns, replaces, and maintains railroad track, ties, roadbed, ballast, switches, crossings, and other track fixtures and equipment.

Removes snow, mud, ice and rock on rail bed, in tunnels, and culverts caused by slides, washouts, and other climatic conditions using picks and shovels.

Uses jack hammer and other impact tools.

Operates single or multiple-head spike driving machine to drive spike into tie and secure rail. Fastens rails together with angle bars, bolts, and nuts. Fastens rails to ties with tie plates and rail spikes.

Levels rail by shimming or tamping sand, gravel, crushed rock, or other ballast material under low ties, using hand tamps or power tools.

May be required to drive company vehicles, i.e., pickup, suburban.

Replaces worn or decayed ties by removing spikes with claw bar, loosening ballast, removing ties from under rails, crossings and switches.

Applies oil to rail joints.

Raises rail, using manual or hydraulic jack to facilitate removal of old tie and installation of new tie.

Operates track-wrench to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.

Operates rail saw to cut rails to specified lengths, and bends rail to required radius.

Operates portable grinder to grind worn ends of rails.

Cuts brush and cleans drainage ditches along track right-of-way.

High school diploma or GED is required. Six (6) months of work experience doing heavy manual labor is required. A solid work history is a plus. Must be able to work safely with heavy tools. Nature of duties and tools utilized require continuous care and attention to avoid accidents and to finish work properly. Must be able to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions in English.

Must be able to exert very heavy physical effort in doing tasks such as frequently lifting and moving objects weighing up to 100 pounds, driving spikes, pulling ties, removing rocks, mud, snow, and ice from rail bed, and operating jack hammer and other impact tools. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Works under the direct supervision of a foreman or leader and performs duties as directed. Incumbent is furnished oral and written instructions about the job to be performed. Duties are performed in accordance with ARRC Safety Manual, On-Track Safety Roadway Worker Protection Manual, and ARRC General Code of Operating Rules Manual. Work is checked in progress and upon completion.

Note:

Following all applicable rules and working safely is a mandatory condition of employment.

Exerts very heavy physical effort lifting, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, carrying, climbing, twisting/turning and positioning track ties and other extremely heavy objects which frequently weigh up to 100 pounds. Requires extended periods of standing, sitting, and walking on uneven terrain.

Employee works outside in seasonal temperatures and weather extremes and is subject to the following conditions: loud machinery noises; exposure to shaking object or surface; grease or oil; insect bites; fumes; possible burns from hot equipment; possible injuries from handling equipment; and exposure to electrical shock and toxic or caustic chemicals. Must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) (i.e., eyewear, hearing protection, gloves, hard hats, steel toed boots and other PPE as required.

The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) does not furnish rain gear or general clothing. Employees are subject to extensive travel. Most of the job locations are far enough away that daily commuting from home is not an option. The ARRC does not furnish transportation or lodging at most locations. Jobs in the Maintenance Department are put up for bid and the most senior bidder is awarded the job.

Note:

Applicants should consider the long-term effect of this type of lifestyle on…