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Ballast Regulator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is searching for a Ballast Control Operator with experience on an ... Regulatory Audits /Inspections. * Load Management. * Watch Keeping - Monitor Collision Avoidance ...

Tamper Operator

Linton, IN ยท On-site

$28.15 - $33.12/hr

... ballast regulator, crane, trackhoe, tie-handler, on-track brush cutter, ditcher, dump truck ... Minimum of 3 years of experience operating heavy machinery equipment, or at least 1 year of ...

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Ballast Regulator Operator information

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$13

$20

$29

How much do ballast regulator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for ballast regulator operator in the United States is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Ballast Regulator Operator vs Track Inspector?

AspectBallast Regulator OperatorTrack Inspector
CredentialsHigh school diploma, training in ballast and track maintenanceHigh school diploma, certification in track safety and inspection
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on railway tracks, operating machineryOutdoor, inspecting tracks and infrastructure
Industry UsageRailroad maintenance crews, track upkeepSafety inspections, track condition assessments

The main difference is that a Ballast Regulator Operator focuses on maintaining and shaping ballast using specialized machinery, while a Track Inspector assesses track conditions for safety and compliance. Both roles require knowledge of railway standards but serve different functions in railway maintenance and safety.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Ballast Regulator Operator and how can they be addressed?

Ballast Regulator Operators often face challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining safety around active rail lines, and ensuring precise ballast distribution for track stability. To address these challenges, operators must stay vigilant about safety protocols, regularly inspect equipment for maintenance issues, and communicate effectively with other rail crew members. Continuous on-the-job training and adherence to operational guidelines also help in minimizing errors and ensuring efficient workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ballast Regulator Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ballast Regulator Operator, you need a good understanding of railroad maintenance procedures, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with operating heavy rail equipment, such as ballast regulators and tampers, and knowledge of safety protocols are essential, with some employers requiring certification in track safety standards. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for ensuring safe and efficient operations. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining track integrity, preventing accidents, and supporting smooth railroad operations.

What are Ballast Regulator Operators and what do they do?

Ballast Regulator Operators are skilled workers who operate specialized railroad maintenance equipment called ballast regulators. Their main responsibility is to shape, distribute, and maintain the layer of crushed stone (ballast) that supports railroad tracks. This work ensures the tracks remain stable, properly aligned, and well-drained, which is essential for safe train operations. Ballast Regulator Operators use controls to adjust plows, brushes, and other attachments on their machines, often working as part of a larger track maintenance crew. They must be attentive to safety protocols and able to perform minor repairs and routine maintenance on their equipment.
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What cities are hiring for Ballast Regulator Operator jobs? Cities with the most Ballast Regulator Operator job openings:
What states have the most Ballast Regulator Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Ballast Regulator Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ballast Regulator Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ballast Regulator Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Ballast Regulator Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 25% Temporary, and 50% Nights. Highlights an 68% Physical, and 32% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $42,316 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Regulator Operator

Regulator Operator

Northern Plains Railroad, Inc.

Grand Forks, ND โ€ข On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description


Company: Northern Plains Services, Inc.

Business Unit: Complete Track Works

Department: Construction

Travel: 80%+

Schedule: 7:00am โ€“ 4:30pm with additional hours as required.

Summary:

The Regulator Operator position is to perform the work that the machine is designed for, such as, shaping, distributing, shouldering, and sweeping ballast which supports the ties of railroad track. Operates a variety of equipment within the organization to move, load, or unload various ballast & railroad materials and install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:

  • Operate regulator to perform the work that machine is designed for, such as, shaping, distributing, shouldering, and sweeping the track ballast that supports the railroad track ties.
  • Installs equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures.
  • Operate regulator with attachments to clear debris from tracks, remove snow, improve stormwater drainage, and brush cut.
  • Operates On-track equipment to rehabilitate, construct, or install railroad track.
  • Operates Construction equipment to move, load, or unload material.
  • Operates equipment in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with governing regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Coordinates machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
  • Manage the distribution of ballast, whether by roto dump, front end loader, or by using rail car.
  • Ability to run regulator or direct regulator operator to establish work requirements and meet precise job specifications.
  • Must be able to trouble shoot and/or diagnose machine problems to ensure steady production in the field.
  • Perform maintenance and make repairs on machine and related equipment as necessary.
  • Perform minor mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic repairs in the field and/or the shop.
  • Order parts on their own and communicate with the mechanic.
  • Must be able to work alone in remote locations independently and with minimum supervision.
  • Communicate any safety or mechanical issues to supervisor.
  • Inspect and recognize any deviation from FRA track safety standards part 213.
  • Responsible for the safe completion and inspection of assigned task.
  • Meet job production objectives safely, and within budget, with respect to detail and quality.
  • Must fill out, maintain, and produce accurate and up-to-date production reports.
  • Assist in the restoration, renewal, maintenance, and new construction of track structures as needed.
  • Works with Truck drivers loads and offloads equipment as it arrives and exits project site.
  • Takes action to avoid potential hazards and obstructions, such as utilities, other equipment, other workers, structural objects, and through traffic.
  • Perform manual labor consisting of crouching, bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and lifting while working at ground level.
  • Other Duties as assigned.
  • Will perform work on Northern Plains Railroad as directed.

Competencies:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Ability to operate and maintain various types of Ballast Regulators.
  • Track record of successful project management.
  • Successful management of surfacing projects.
  • Experience using hand tools, power tools and hydraulic equipment.
  • Knowledge of and ability to adhere to safety requirements and procedures.
  • Ability to work on their own in remote locations independently.
  • Willingness to wear the proper and required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as hard hat, steel toed boots, eye and hearing protection and face shields and other PPE required for specific tasks.
  • Basic internet and computer or other handheld device skills needed for payroll reports, equipment reports, safety and equipment reports, and email correspondence.
  • A valid Commercial Driverโ€™s License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Driving Record.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform on uneven or slippery surfaces, platforms, ladders, equipment in all weather and temperature conditions. Most of the day could be spent on feet standing. Eye/hand coordination, hand/feet dexterity and grasping hand tools, materials & equipment is required. The employee is frequently required to perform manual labor & physical activities that require considerable use of the whole body, such as standing and lifting from various levels.
  • Additional physical demands are listed in the chart below.
  • May require travel to various facilities and provide additional services (80+%).

Environmental:

  • Continuous: Exposed to noise.
  • Frequent: Exposure to smoke, dust, fumes, odors, grease, oil, works outdoors in hot and cold temperatures and in all extreme weather conditions, works outside, vibration, works with moving machinery and mechanical parts, works at heights.
  • Occasional: Exposure to electrical hazards, works in cramped quarters, works inside, chemicals, stand on concrete, shift work, walks on uneven or slippery surface, wet conditions, works with others & alone, paperwork.
  • Rare: Works with toxic materials.

Education and Training:

  • GED or High School Diploma.
  • 3+ Yearsโ€™ experience operating a Regulator or heavy construction equipment.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Valid Drivers License required.
  • Must have or be able to obtain a valid DOT (Department of Transportation) Medical Certificate (Med Card).
  • CDL Preferred
  • Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPRS driver provisions.

Requirements of Joining Our Team:

Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to:

1.โ€‚โ€‚โ€‚โ€‚Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment.

โ€‚โ€‚โ€‚โ€‚2.โ€‚โ€‚โ€‚โ€‚Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.

โ€‚โ€‚โ€‚โ€‚3.โ€‚โ€‚โ€‚โ€‚Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.

โ€‚โ€‚โ€‚โ€‚4.โ€‚โ€‚โ€‚โ€‚Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position.

We value transparency and the safety of our employees and customers, and these steps are essential in upholding our commitment to excellence.

LIFT 2 - Physical Demands Checklist

* Never (N) = Not at all * Rarely (R) = 1-5% * Occasionally (O) = 6-33% * Frequently (F) = 34-66% * Continuously (C) = 67-100%

TASKS

N 0%

R 1-5%

O

6-33%

F

34-66%

C 67-100%

Essential

Comments

Sitting

X

Standing

X

X

Walking Distance: 600 ft

X

X

Bending/Stooping: 2 min

X

X

Sitting while twisting & reaching above shoulder level

X

X

Crawling 10 ft

X

Squatting: 10 reps

X

X

Climbing Stairs: YMCA Step Test

X

X

NOT Pass or Fail

Climbing Ladder: 30 rungs

X

X

Balancing CTSIB-M test

X

X

Reaching- Forward

X

X

Reaching- Overhead armโ€™s length

X

X

Reaching Low Level

X

X

Static Push/Pull: Static push force 50# at shoulder level

X

X

Push/Pull: 90# force at waist level, simulate throw a switch

X

X

Shoveling

X

X

Grip Strength min. 50#

X

X

Gross & Fine coordination

X

X

Lift / Carry

Floor to Waist & Bilateral Carry

<10#

X

X

11-24 #

X

X

25-34 #

X

X

35-50 #

X

X

Lift 50 # Waist to Crown

X

X

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE

Working around moving machinery, parts & equipment

X

X

Working outside & in extreme weather conditions

X

X

TASKS continued

N 0%

R 1-5%

O 6-33%

F 34-66%

C 67-100%

Essential

Comments

Exposure to heat /humidity

X

X

Exposure to cold

X

X

Using power equipment

X

X

Slippery surfaces

X

X

Noise

X

X

Works with others, alone, paperwork

X

X

Dust, Smoke, Odors, Fumes, Grease, Oil

X

X

Hearing

X

X

Hearing acuity-MEC/Medical Examiner's Certificate DOT vs FRA-DOT vs OSHA

Speech

X

X

Vision

X

X

Vision acuity-MEC/Medical Examiner's Certificate DOT vs FRA-DOT vs Standard

Standard Vision

X

X

Standard Vision-Snellen/Ishihara/Perimetry

Works at heights

X

X

Electrical hazards

X

X

Uneven surfaces

X

X

Inhalation Exposure

X

X

Cramped quarters

X

X

Hazardous Material

X

X

Chemical Exposure

X

X

Vibration

X

X

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned. This Job Description may change at any time declared by Management.

NPRS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation. NPRS is a tradename used by Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR), Northern Plains Services, Inc. (NPS), and All Rail, Inc. (All Rail).