Ballast Regulator Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway (W&LE) is one of the largest regional railroads in the United States and the largest in Ohio, operating 840 miles of track across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.  W&LE runs 98 locomotives, moves more than 140,000 carloads annually, and supports operations through seven major rail yards and a 120,000 square foot locomotive and car repair facility. The railroad serves over 110 customers through a diverse fleet of 1,400 owned or leased railcars and hauls a wide range of commodities including steel, petroleum products, aggregates, chemicals, coal, lumber, paper, and plastics. With connections to three Class I railroads, Canadian National, CSX, and Norfolk Southern, and fourteen regional and short line partners, W&LE offers flexible routing and competitive service options.

Founded in 1871 and headquartered in Brewster, Ohio since 1913, the company continues its long legacy with seven day a week interchange operations and 24/7 customer support, delivering dependable, efficient service rooted in both regional heritage and modern capability.

Job Description

The Track Laborer position is a full-time, union position within the Engineering Department of Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway (W&LE). This position is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and installation of railroad track and related infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient railroad operations in accordance with W&LE standards and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations.
Track Laborers perform physically demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions. This role emphasizes safety, teamwork, compliance with operating rules, and maintaining track structure to support reliable freight service.

Duties/Responsibilities

Repair and rebuild railroad track using various power and hand tools.

Remove and replace railroad ties; pull and drive spikes; shovel and replace ballast.

Load and unload equipment and materials as assigned.

Inspect track, trackbed, and right-of-way for defects such as broken rails, defective switches, obstructions, and weather-related issues.

Perform track maintenance including installing/removing rail anchors, aligning tie plates, cutting rails, plugging spike holes, and operating track jacks.

Handle and move track materials and equipment weighing between 50 and 100 pounds (with or without assistance as required).

Operate tools and machinery such as air hammers, powered wrenches, rail drills, portable saws, and other assigned equipment.

Remove and replace ballast; tamp ballast; assist in unloading ballast.

Maintain safe working conditions by following company and industry safety rules and wearing required PPE.

Monitor for visual signals and warning sounds and take appropriate action to protect self and coworkers.

Working Conditions

Work safely at all times in compliance with all safety and operating rules.

Work outdoors in all weather conditions for extended periods of time.

Walk long distances on uneven and irregular surfaces.

Frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, and climb.

Lift and carry objects weighing between 50 and 100 pounds.

Full Time

Full-time union position (40 hours per week). Position may require significant overtime, including nights, weekends, holidays, and scheduled rest days. The railroad operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and employees must be available to report for duty when notified.

Travel

Travel is required throughout the railroad system. Employees must be willing and able to work at any location on the railroad in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Employees may be required to drive long distances to reach job sites.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.

Ability to perform strenuous physical labor.

Ability to secure appropriate Commercial Driver’s License within 120 days of hire.

Ability to comply with union requirements and collective bargaining agreement.

Ability to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Commitment to workplace safety and rule compliance.

Compensation

• The starting hourly rate is $21.04/hour
• Pay ranges from $21.04/hour to $29.21/hour (depending on position held)
• $100 a week supplemental compensation
• Employee Profit-Sharing Program (eligible after 90 days of employment)

Benefits

Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, Railroad Retirement benefits, 401(k) with company match, profit sharing, paid holidays, paid vacation, and discretionary bonuses.

Drug Free Workplace

W&LE is a drug-free workplace and maintains a zero-tolerance policy.
Employees are subject to pre-employment and frequent drug and alcohol testing.
A DUI or OVI conviction within the last three years will disqualify you from consideration for this position.
All positions require pre-employment background verification, physical examination, and drug/alcohol screening.

Locations:  Hartland, OH and Carnegie, PA.