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Ballast Regulator Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Building Engineer

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

... tubes, ballast, sockets, fuses, minor appliances, cords, etc.) using appropriate hand, power and ... with OSHA regulations. * Assist supervisor in the development of capital and operating expense ...

... ballast • Inspect, unload, distribute, load, pick-up, install, grind, and transpose rail • ... operating and maintenance instructions and federal and state regulations • Possess a ...

Field Technician

Parma, OH

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

... operating and safety standards and ensuring that service requests and repairs are performed ... Comply with all Agency, county, state and federal regulations and ensure facilities are up to code ...

Ballast Regulator Operator information

What is a ballast regulator operator?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ballast regulator operator?

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Ballast Regulator Operator jobs in Ohio?

For Ballast Regulator Operator jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ballast Regulator Operator jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Ballast Regulator Operator jobs in Ohio are:

Infographic showing various Ballast Regulator Operator job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Signals and Communications Foreman

REMCAN Projects LLC

Millbury, OH • On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

The Signals and Communications Foreman will report to the Supervisor or Superintendent responsible for the geographical location of the assigned project. The Signals and Communications Foreman will work together with the Signals and Communications team and local client representatives to manage and direct an assigned crew of employees to deliver successful projects by exceeding corporate and client objectives while ensuring the safety of all employees. The Signals and Communications Foreman works with the assigned Signals and Communications Maintainers and Apprentices to organize and manage daily work and all other related activities to the project including installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing railroad signaling and communications equipment as well as emergencies and track outages. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Work safe and provide a quality product.
  • Coordination of Signals and Communication maintenance and installation activities supporting the Supervisor at the project location site which includes: preparing inventory-specific documentation, data entry, and reports as required.
  • Coordinate with field operations leadership for track scheduling to ensure client project objectives are met or exceeded.
  • Administration requirements for individual projects including the collection of data, logging of daily activities, and all reports involving occupational health and safety related matters including, but not limited to, near-miss reports, rules and regulatory infractions, and all other safety related accidents and incidents.
  • Material and resource ordering ensuring job site is well-equipped and stocked with necessary machinery, tools, and materials.
  • Maintain train operating restrictions in alignment with client and legislative standards and correct deviations in signaling equipment and structures at client site.
  • Provide instruction to Signals and Communications crews to complete the following tasks:
    • Replacement, installation and general repairs to railway signaling structures.
    • Unload and distribute track material, machinery, and all other required materials at job site/project site.
  • Install signal/communication structures and components in all types of weather conditions.
  • Respond to emergency situations at a moment's notice.
  • Set up barricades to isolate potentially dangerous situations.
  • Troubleshoot work-related problems.
  • Perform basic mathematics to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Comply with FRA roadway worker protection standards, railway operating rules, and safe work procedures (REMCAN and external stakeholders or respective clients).
  • Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to: steel toe boots, safety glasses, reflective apparel, hearing protection, and gloves.
  • Work outdoors at railroad construction sites including harsh weather conditions.
  • Work in steep ballast conditions, such as unlevel ground.
  • May be required to work nights, holidays, and weekends. The employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. May be exposed to live track/trains and high voltage.
  • Must adhere to AREMA and customer's engineering standards.

Requirements:

  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in Signals and Communications operations and previous leadership experience.
  • Must be current or previously qualified in railroad signaling and communications.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and basic understanding of inventory management.
  • Lift/Push/Pull 75 lbs.
  • Stoop/Bend/Kneel/Crouch/Balance/Climb on an occasional basis.
  • Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection.
  • Climb ladders and poles up to at least 40 feet to make repairs, tests and installations.
  • Equipment restrictions mandate that an incumbent must not exceed the 300lbs equipment capacity limits (including 15lbs of required tools) to safely perform the job duties.
  • Must meet color vision requirements as described in the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations.
  • Hold a valid Class B drivers license.
  • Pass eRailSafe background check and DOT pre-employment drug test.
  • Travel 90% of the time.
  • Strong organizational, verbal, and electronic communication skills.
  • Ability to read and understand company policies and procedures as well as communicate changes to assigned work group.
  • Ability to multitask and handle multiple deadlines with changing priorities.
  • Be self-motivated and driven with a strong adherence to safety rules and regulations.
  • Ability to work independently and to work as part of a team.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move heavy weights. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.   Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and may be required to work nights, holidays, and weekends.  The employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts.  The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  May be exposed to live track/trains and high voltage.  Exposure to harsh weather conditions including very hot and very cold weather.


The job description listed above may not represent all duties and responsibilities that may be required of this position. There may be additional or unplanned duties which may be required.

All new hires must be able to successfully complete a DOT pre-employment drug test and a background check for eRailSafe requirements.

This company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.