Rail Switching Technician- Kankakee, IL

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 Kankakee, IL 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 that 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 opportunities for long-term career growth and advancement within rail operations.

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.com.

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

• Wednesday through Sunday
• 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Monday and Tuesday off
• Overtime may be required based on operational needs

Compensation

$21.00-$23.00 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
• Ability to follow safety rules, operating procedures, and instructions
• Ability to participate in Railserve's pre-employment screening process
• 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.

#LI-DNI

Pay Range:

18.90 - 23.10

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.