Rail Switching Technician

Railserve As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.

Railserve is hiring dependable and safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Richmond to support daily rail switching operations within an industrial rail environment.

This is a full-time, hands-on role critical to the safe movement, placement, and switching of railcars to support customer operations and production schedules.

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and being part of a safety-focused team. Railserve provides training and opportunities for long-term career growth within rail

Who We Are Railserve is a leading provider of industrial railyard services across the United States and Canada. Our teams deliver on-site rail switching, material handling and transloading, track construction and maintenance, and locomotive service and repair for customers who depend on safe, reliable rail operations every day. With decades of industry experience, Railserve is built on a foundation of safety, teamwork, and operational excellence.

We invest in our people, promote from within, and use innovative, safety-focused technology to keep railyards running efficiently. Learn more at Railserve

Job Description Rail Switching Technicians are responsible for safely operating locomotives and rail equipment while coordinating railcar movement throughout an industrial facility. This role supports the timely and accurate switching, placement, and movement of railcars while maintaining compliance with company safety procedures and customer operating requirements.

Employees work in active industrial rail yard environments around locomotives, railcars, heavy equipment, and moving machinery. Daily responsibilities include operating switches and brakes, coupling and uncoupling railcars, inspecting equipment, and communicating movement instructions with crews and site leadership.

The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-focused, mechanically inclined, and comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Strong attendance, communication skills, and a commitment to safety are critical for success in this role.

Railserve promotes from within and provides opportunities for advancement into leadership and skilled rail operations positions.

Schedule Terminal operates from approximately 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM8-hour shifts with overlapping crew schedules

Shift assignments based on operational needs

Overtime, weekends, and holidays may be required

Compensation $18.50 to $20.50 per hour based on experience

Duties

Operate locomotives and rail equipment safely and efficiently

Perform railcar switching and placement according to operational schedules

Interpret train orders, signals, and operating procedures

Inspect locomotives prior to operation

Operate hand and ground throw switches, derails, and gates

Control equipment movement using radio communication, hand signals, and lanterns

Couple and uncouple railcars and connect air hoses

Apply and release hand brakes to secure equipment

Observe tracks and surroundings for safety hazards or obstructions

Handle train equipment safely using independent and automatic brakes

Assist in training new employees as needed

Complete reports related to delays, incidents, or operational activity

Lubricate and inspect locomotive components as required

Wear required personal protective equipment at all times

Follow company operating procedures and safety requirements

Perform additional operational duties as assigned

Job Requirements High school diploma or GED required

Reliable transportation required

Strong attendance and dependability required

Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions

Ability to walk on uneven terrain and climb on rail equipment

Ability to lift, carry, and handle heavy equipment and materials

Strong communication and teamwork skills

Ability to manage multiple…