Rail Switching Technician-Richmond, CA

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 is an entry-level opportunity. All skill levels are encouraged to apply, and Railserve will provide training for the individual selected for the role
This position is responsible for operating locomotives; interpreting train orders, signals, and rules and regulations; and timely and correct switching and placement of rail cars.

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. No prior rail experience is required, and Railserve provides on-the-job training for qualified candidates.

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

Schedule
• Schedule based on operational and customer needs
• Overtime, weekends, holidays, and shift work may be required

Compensation
$26.00 – $28.00 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 tasks and priorities safely and effectively
• Strong attention to detail and situational awareness
• Must be able to successfully complete a physical, drug screen, and background check
• Military experience is a plus

What We Offer (Benefits)
Railserve is committed to being an Employer of Choice, offering competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Company-paid employee and dependent life insurance
• Company-paid sickness and accident income
• 401(k) with company match
• Annual safety shoe reimbursement
• Prescription safety wear
• Holiday pay
• Vacation
• Marmon employee discount program

Additional Information
• Outdoor industrial rail yard environment
• Exposure to locomotives, railcars, moving machinery, noise, dust, and varying weather conditions
• Moderate to heavy physical labor required
• Frequent walking, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, and lifting
• Required use of personal protective equipment
• Safety-sensitive position requiring strict compliance with company and customer safety procedures

Grow With Us
Don’t worry if you don’t meet every qualification. Railserve values reliability, work ethic, and a willingness to learn. Our tools, technology, and processes continue to evolve, and we invest in training and developing our people for long-term success.

Railserve provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. We recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

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Pay Range:

23.40 - 28.60

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, and more!

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to [email protected], and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.