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Ballast Regulator Operator Jobs in Rochester, NY

Yard Jockey Night Shift

Lakeville, NY · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

Follows and complies with all appropriate company safety rules and regulations, including but not ... Experience operating semi-trucks and trailers in a production or logistics environment preferred ...

Ballast Regulator Operator information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$13

$20

$29

How much do ballast regulator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for ballast regulator operator in Rochester, NY is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $22.79 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?

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 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 popular job titles related to Ballast Regulator Operator jobs in Rochester, NY? For Ballast Regulator Operator jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ballast Regulator Operator jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Ballast Regulator Operator jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Ballast Regulator Operator jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Ballast Regulator Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Ballast Regulator Operator job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,752 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Yard Jockey Night Shift

Ingredients Plus

Lakeville, NY • On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Summary
The Yard Jockey position is responsible for safely moving, staging, and organizing trailers within the yard to support production and logistics operations using CDL A Tractor Trailers. This role ensures trailers are properly placed, equipment is maintained, and communication between production, drivers, and the fleet shop is coordinated effectively.
Schedule:
This position is on a rotating 2-week, 2-2-3 schedule. 36 hours one week, 48 hours the next. built in overtime and a three-day weekend every other weekend!
The hours for this position are 6:00 PM to 6:30 AM.
Essential functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
  • Follows and complies with all appropriate company safety rules and regulations, including but not limited to OSHA, DOT, and other applicable local, state, or federal agencies to ensure a safe working environment.
  • Operates semi-trucks and trailers (manual and automatic transmission) including landing gear to safely move equipment throughout the yard and between production and loading areas.
  • Backs trailers into tight spaces, loading bays, wash bays, and staging areas with a high level of skill and accuracy.
  • Moves empty and loaded trailers to and from production areas to ensure an uninterrupted production flow.
  • Utilize hoses and hydraulic pumps to unload product from trailers.
  • Perform DOT pre-trip and post-trip inspections for trucks and trailers for both liquid and bulk product loading, ensuring proper placement and readiness.
  • Weighs trucks in and out, completing necessary documentation accurately.
  • Audits trailers for proper placement, staging, cleanliness, and readiness, and communicates loading needs to production staff.
  • Coordinates trailer movements and staging with production teams, fleet shop, and drivers to maximize efficiency.
  • Immediately reports equipment or vehicle defects, flat tires, lights out, accidents, injuries, or damage to the fleet shop or supervisor.
  • Communicates with the fleet shop for maintenance needs and assists in facilitating timely repairs.
  • Acts as a liaison between production and drivers to ensure smooth operations and efficient trailer flow.
  • Wash trucks and trailers during downtime.
  • Replenish fuel in trucks.
  • Keeps assigned areas-including the yard, loading bays, truck room, and wash bays-clean, safe, and orderly.
  • At times, may need to operate railcar moving equipment (e.g., Shuttle Wagons, Rail Movers, Trackmobile, Rail King, etc.) to spot, pull, and position railcars as needed for business operations.
  • Performs other duties as assigned to support operations and maintain a safe, efficient work environment.
Supervisory responsibilities
  • None
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Expert knowledge on tractor-trailers and yard jockey operations.
  • Advanced skill in backing trailers into docks, bays, and tight spaces.
  • Ability to operate both manual and automatic semi-trucks.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple trailer movements and priorities.
  • Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to recognize, communicate, and report safety hazards, equipment issues, and operational concerns promptly.
  • Ambition, initiative, and attention to detail in a fast-paced production environment.
Required education and experience
  • Previous yard jockey and/or equivalent job experience required
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Valid driver's license required (CDL not required, but preferred)
  • Experience operating semi-trucks and trailers in a production or logistics environment preferred
Work environment and physical demands
  • Ability to lift fifty pounds routinely.
  • Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to bend, stretch, and twist.
  • Ability to reach, push, pull, grasp.
  • Ability to climb, use a ladder and work in heights.
  • Ability to visually inspect equipment and hear radio communications clearly
  • Walking on uneven surfaces and ballast
  • May be exposed to outside conditions including, hot, cold, and humid weather.
  • May be exposed to petroleum based products (motor oil, hydraulic oil, diesel fuel etc.) and chemicals (anti-freeze, WD-40).
Benefits include:
  • Direct deposit paid weekly.
  • Quarterly performance bonus opportunities!
  • Affordable health, vision, and dental insurance plans - Eligible 1st day of the month following 30 days of employment.
  • Free health savings account with employer match.
  • Fidelity 401(k) with competitive employer match - fully vested from date of hire.
  • 3 weeks paid time off plus sick time (pro-rated based on start date).
  • 9 paid company holidays and 3 paid personal holidays.
  • Boot allowance twice per year.
  • Protective equipment and company swag provided.
  • Free life insurance up to $150,000.
  • Free employer-paid short-term and long-term disability coverages.
  • Employee Assistance Programs.
  • And more!
Travel required
  • The home office for this role is indicated at the top of this job description. Travel to other Ingredients Plus locations may be required as business needs arise.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
Other duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.