Switchman- Unit Operator
North Carolina and Virginia Railroad, Cheyenne, WY, United States
Job Category : Transportation and Train Crew
Requisition Number : SWITC008571
Posted: April 24, 2026
Full-Time
Location
Showing 1 location
Job Summary
As a Switchman, you’ll play a key role in safely operating rail equipment to ensure freight is delivered to our customers efficiently. You will receive hands‑on and classroom training to establish a strong foundation for a long‑term career. This physically active position requires outdoor work in all weather conditions and provides opportunities for growth and advancement in a dynamic environment.
Responsibilities
Comply with all federal, state, and other applicable railroad safety and operational regulations
Follow instructions when working with a certified trainer, mentor, or supervisor
Communicate with customers and team members using oral, written, hand signals, lantern signals, or radio instructions to coordinate train or railcar movement
Operate track switches to determine the route of the train or rail equipment
Evaluate, plan, and complete all assigned work safely and efficiently
Climb on and off equipment and walk the length of the train or rail yard to support train operations
Apply or release hand brakes on railcars multiple times a day to control movement
Read and understand the rule books and other written or printed material
Inspect the condition of railcars in movement and while stationary
Connect air hoses and electrical components between locomotives or railcars
Utilize basic computer skills for electronic reporting and train documentation
Perform other duties as assigned
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements
Full-time (40+ hours weekly)
Varying schedule in a 24/7 work environment that includes nights, holidays, weekends, and on‑call as needed
Outdoor work in all weather conditions, working up to a 12‑hour shift
Walking long distances on uneven surfaces and climbing ladders and equipment, always ensuring three points of contact in varying environmental conditions
Able to lift up to 75 pounds from floor to waist and carry short distances
Able to squat, bend, and lift overhead
Have good balance and coordination
Skills and Experience
2+ years of related or relevant work experience is a plus
Effective communication skills both written and verbal
Experience working in a safety‑sensitive environment is a plus
Possess situational awareness and decision‑making abilities to respond effectively in a safety‑sensitive environment
Required Education and Credentials
High school diploma or GED; or an equivalent combination of education and/or work experience
Valid driver’s license
At least eighteen years of age
Employment Requirements
Pre‑employment physical, hearing, and vision medical review
May be subject to federally mandated drug and alcohol testing including pre‑employment drug screening
Background screening including criminal and motor vehicle driving history
Relocation
Must live within 50 miles of assigned location or be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.
Benefits
Life Insurance
Optional benefit coverages for Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital, ID Theft & Life Insurance
Flexible Spending & Health Savings account plans
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) Retirement Plan
On-the‑Job Training
Paid Time Off
Tuition Reimbursement
Does not pay into the Railroad Retirement Board
Equal Opportunity Employer
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. and its subsidiary companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected status protected under federal, state or local laws.
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Requisition Number : SWITC008571
Posted: April 24, 2026
Full-Time
Location
Showing 1 location
Job Summary
As a Switchman, you’ll play a key role in safely operating rail equipment to ensure freight is delivered to our customers efficiently. You will receive hands‑on and classroom training to establish a strong foundation for a long‑term career. This physically active position requires outdoor work in all weather conditions and provides opportunities for growth and advancement in a dynamic environment.
Responsibilities
Comply with all federal, state, and other applicable railroad safety and operational regulations
Follow instructions when working with a certified trainer, mentor, or supervisor
Communicate with customers and team members using oral, written, hand signals, lantern signals, or radio instructions to coordinate train or railcar movement
Operate track switches to determine the route of the train or rail equipment
Evaluate, plan, and complete all assigned work safely and efficiently
Climb on and off equipment and walk the length of the train or rail yard to support train operations
Apply or release hand brakes on railcars multiple times a day to control movement
Read and understand the rule books and other written or printed material
Inspect the condition of railcars in movement and while stationary
Connect air hoses and electrical components between locomotives or railcars
Utilize basic computer skills for electronic reporting and train documentation
Perform other duties as assigned
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements
Full-time (40+ hours weekly)
Varying schedule in a 24/7 work environment that includes nights, holidays, weekends, and on‑call as needed
Outdoor work in all weather conditions, working up to a 12‑hour shift
Walking long distances on uneven surfaces and climbing ladders and equipment, always ensuring three points of contact in varying environmental conditions
Able to lift up to 75 pounds from floor to waist and carry short distances
Able to squat, bend, and lift overhead
Have good balance and coordination
Skills and Experience
2+ years of related or relevant work experience is a plus
Effective communication skills both written and verbal
Experience working in a safety‑sensitive environment is a plus
Possess situational awareness and decision‑making abilities to respond effectively in a safety‑sensitive environment
Required Education and Credentials
High school diploma or GED; or an equivalent combination of education and/or work experience
Valid driver’s license
At least eighteen years of age
Employment Requirements
Pre‑employment physical, hearing, and vision medical review
May be subject to federally mandated drug and alcohol testing including pre‑employment drug screening
Background screening including criminal and motor vehicle driving history
Relocation
Must live within 50 miles of assigned location or be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.
Benefits
Life Insurance
Optional benefit coverages for Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital, ID Theft & Life Insurance
Flexible Spending & Health Savings account plans
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) Retirement Plan
On-the‑Job Training
Paid Time Off
Tuition Reimbursement
Does not pay into the Railroad Retirement Board
Equal Opportunity Employer
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. and its subsidiary companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected status protected under federal, state or local laws.
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
#J-18808-Ljbffr