Switchman

Posted Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 9:00 AM

The Switchman position is a cross functional role that is able to handle several key duties within the Transportation, Engineering & Mechanical Departments. This position oversees the train, freight and crew: operates track switches, couples and uncouples cars and places cars to facilitate loading and unloading, places cars and engines in rail yards and on the main railroad. This position also installs and repairs railroad track on a specified territory of railroad.

Safely operates spike pullers and spike drivers: removes old spikes, drives new spikes, and performs related maintenance to railroad track that meet department and company goals, and comply with Federal Railroad Association (FRA) rules and regulations.

This role also performs inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and installation of locomotive mechanical systems, air equipment and electrical systems, and equipment such as: diesel engine, motors, generators, wheels, air brakes, wiring and lighting systems, and other mechanical and electrical components.

The Switchman position demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees that result in OmniTRAX’s continued success.

• Move trains safely in the yards and over roads
• Operate track switches, inspect equipment on cars and use radio communications to control train movement
• Performs inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and installation of locomotive mechanical systems, air equipment and electrical systems, and equipment such as: diesel engine, motors, generators, wheels, air brakes, wiring and lighting systems, and other mechanical and electrical components
• Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches and make minor repairs to railcars: including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses
• Communicate with Locomotive Engineer and other parties in the yard using proper hand signals and/or radio communication protocol
• Conduct the movement of rail cars and train movements; signal crew member(s) for movement of the engine or train using lantern, hand and flag signals, or radio to indicate when to start, stop, and back-up or set and release air brakes
• Observe, interpret, and relay arm, lantern, or radio signals and all other indications affecting movement of a train
• Operate track switches (visually checks switch condition and direction) to change the direction of the engine or cars within yard limits or on the main railroad; may apply or release hand brakes to switch or perform other duties
• Safe and efficient operation of locomotive including full mobility in seated position facing forward and to the side
• Manipulate throttle and brake controls; interpret gauges and controls
• Operate valves and switches both inside and outside of the cab including applying and releasing handbrakes
• Adhere to directions from conductors and brakemen
• Work independently and/or with train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and service locomotive including brake shoes, oil, sand and fuel
• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operation and the FRA if applicable
• Work safely in a construction/field environment following the safety rules and carrying out the work in a manner that promotes a safe work environment
• Operate spike pullers, spike drivers to perform construction and maintenance tasks associated with railroad tracks
• Raise rail using track jack to facilitate removal and installation of railroad ties
• Drill holes with power drill through rails for bolt insertion
• Operate track-wrench machine to tighten and/or loosen bolts at rail joints
• Operate rail saw to cut rails into specified lengths
• Drive company vehicles
• Perform CDL work if required by location to meet qualifications of the FMCSA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Subpart B:
  Qualification and Disqualification of Drivers and other regulations as applicable, including but not limited to, Part § 391.11
• Complete inspection and repair reports according to company and FRA…