Rail Switchman (Helper)

Job summary

You will operate locomotives and trackside equipment to safely move and handle railcars at industrial facilities. The role also involves assisting with the transfer of liquid products and ensuring all safety procedures are strictly followed.

Job details

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, safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Alberta, Canada to support daily rail operations at industrial facilities. This is a full-time, outdoor, hands-on role critical to keeping railcars moving safely and efficiently. 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 www.Railserve.com Job Description In this role, you’ll work as part of a team to operate locomotives, assist with switching operations, and support the safe movement and handling of railcars, including the transfer of liquid products. Whether you bring prior rail experience or are looking to grow your career in rail operations, Railserve provides paid training, strong leadership support, and long-term career opportunities. If you enjoy physical work, problem-solving, and working in a fast-paced environment where safety and teamwork come first, this role may be a great fit. Schedule Full-time; schedule varies based on site needs. Weekends and holidays may be required. Compensation Competitive hourly pay (based on experience) Duties • Operate switches, derails, gates, and other trackside equipment • Control movement of equipment using radio communication, hand signals, and lanterns • Couple and uncouple railcars and manage air hoses and wheel chocks • Apply and release hand brakes to secure or move equipment • Assist with locomotive operations and switching activities • Support transfer of liquid chemicals and petroleum products from tank cars • Follow all safety procedures and wear required PPE • Monitor surroundings for hazards and ensure safe operations • Perform additional duties as assigned Job Requirements • High school diploma or equivalent preferred • Valid Class 5 driver’s license • Dependable with reliable daily transportation • Strong communication and teamwork skills • Ability to work in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment • Ability to prioritize tasks and follow direction from leadership • Ability to read and interpret safety procedures and technical documents • Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division • Ability to lift, carry, and handle equipment (up to ~50 lbs) What We Offer (Benefits) Railserve is committed to being an Employer of Choice, offering competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package: • Extended health care • Dental care • Vision care • Life insurance • Employee assistance program • Paid time off • RRSP match • Tuition reimbursement Additional Information • Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions • Exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and industrial environments • Requires working around moving mechanical equipment • Moderate to high noise levels in the work environment • Must comply with all safety requirements at all times 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. #LI-DNI 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.

What you’ll do

You will operate locomotives and trackside equipment to safely move and handle railcars at industrial facilities. The role also involves assisting with the transfer of liquid products and ensuring all safety procedures are strictly followed.

Requirements

Candidates should have a valid Class 5 driver's license and the ability to perform physical tasks in an outdoor industrial environment. Strong communication skills and a commitment to safety are essential for this role.

Benefits

• Extended health care • Dental care • Vision care • Life insurance • Employee assistance program • Paid time off • RRSP match • Tuition reimbursement

Listed skills

• Teamwork · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Safety Compliance · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Rail switching
• Locomotive operation
• Safety compliance
• Radio communication
• Hand signals
• Coupling railcars
• Air hose management
• Hand brake operation
• Liquid product transfer
• Hazard monitoring
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Technical document interpretation
• Basic math
• Physical labor
• Rail Operations
• Vehicle Coupling And Uncoupling
• Lifting Ability
• Willingness To Learn
• Dental Care
• Safety Procedures
• Strong Work Ethic
• Valid Driver's License
• Arithmetic
• Brakes
• Communication
• Optometry
• General Mathematics
• Leadership
• Hand Signals
• Innovation
• Problem Solving
• Material Handling
• Operational Excellence
• Operations
• Network Switches
• Prioritization

Job areas

• Transportation
• Logistics
• Trades
• Manufacturing
• Security & Safety
• Switchman
• Operating Engineer / Heavy Equipment Operator
• Earthmoving and Related Plant Operators
• Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators