Switching and Transload Operator

OL&B Railway, a NEBCO Company, is a short line railway specializing in transloading, railcar repair, railcar storage, and track repair. Known as the “Big Red Line,” it is a Class III switching railroad that interchanges cars from Union Pacific and BNSF.

NEBCO, Inc. is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business with more than 1,100 employees in 50 Nebraska locations. Since 1908, it has grown to become one of Nebraska’s most diversified and successful privately‑owned businesses.

OL&B Railway seeks a high‑performing, motivated, and reliable Switching and Transload Operator. The ideal candidate will have construction or agriculture experience, be mechanically inclined, and possess strong problem‑solving skills. Responsibilities include daily switching operations and assistance with the repair and maintenance of locomotives and rail car fleet. The role requires adherence to the Company Safety Program and policies, reliable attendance, normal hours Monday–Friday 6:45 am–2:45 pm, and a 2‑hour on‑call.

• Abides by all FRA, AAR, OSHA, DOT, and other applicable regulations.
• Works with a switch crew to perform safe railcar switching movements, including roll‑by inspection, delivering railcars to and from customers and partner railroads, providing accurate railcar counts, understanding rail yard operations, determining car movements, securing rail equipment, operating switches, and communicating via radio, which may include weekends and nights.
• Climbs onto railcars to operate straps, open and close railcar doors, and use ramps.
• Safely operates related equipment, such as a forklift, while unloading building materials from railcars and trucks, placing materials in designated storage areas, loading material onto trucks for destination, and stacking and banding material as necessary.
• Completes inventory documentation, shipping papers, and other documentation; ensures correct material(s) arrived and are shipped out.
• Performs track maintenance following the Track Worker Safety Program while working around and using maintenance‑of‑way tools and equipment.
• Maintains the rail yard, including vegetation, roadway maintenance, drainage, snow removal, and other duties to ensure a safe working environment.
• Assists in maintenance of facilities and all associated equipment, including, but not limited to, OL&B locomotives, overhead crane, forklift, bobcat, air compressor, company pickups, and dump trucks; equipment must be kept in sound and safe operating condition.
• Assists with maintenance and repairs of OL&B and foreign railcars, and completes necessary repair reports; assists in maintaining inventory of car repair parts.
• Provides switching and other railroad support services as needed.
• May also perform driving duties to assist in offloading lumber when needed.
• Other duties may be assigned.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Previous experience in performing mechanical repair, and/or working in construction, agriculture, or a related labor environment.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

A technical degree or vocational training in railroad programs or a related area is helpful, but not necessary.

• Valid driver’s license and be insurable under the company insurance program.
• CPR and First Aid Certified, or ability to become certified with company training.
• Employee will be trained and required to become a conductor, forklift operator, and all other equipment certified necessary to perform their job duties.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as railroad safety rules, procedure manuals, SDS sheets, switch lists, bills of lading, load tickets, and repair sheets.
• Computer skills through MS Office products for tracking and reporting.
• Proficient use of hand and power tools and equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude helpful.
• Ability to be on time and meet on‑call requirements.
• Maintain a clean and safe yard and car repair environment.
• Able to frequently lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.

• Retirement Plans
• Paid Holidays
• Insurance Benefits
• Wellness Program – opportunity to earn five additional days off
• Paid Time Off
• On‑the‑Job Training

Candidate is required to meet the above qualifications. Approval of pre‑employment reference, background checks, and post‑offer substance testing are required as conditions of employment.