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Ballast Regulator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

Locomotive Operator I

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

You may load, unload, and transport materials and perform duties that include building track panels, handling and laying track sections, operating ballast regulators, performing ballast train dumping ...

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Be Seen First

Laborer CDL (A or B)

Dillsboro, NC · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

... Ballast Regulator, Back Hoe/Track Hoe, Air Compressor with Air Tools. * Ability to operate and use ... Strict compliance to GSMR procedures/rules, roadway worker safety program and operating rules.

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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 Jul 25, 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:
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Ballast Regulator Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ballast Regulator Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 29% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 62% Physical, 37% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,316 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Locomotive Operator I

Locomotive Operator I

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

Claypool, AZ • On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Freeport-McMoRan rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 33 rated mining

Job description

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you'll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career. Apply Today!
Where You Will Work
Our Miami smelter and rod plant is nestled just 90 miles east of Phoenix. The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is the most significant source of sulfuric acid for our North American leaching operations. Arizona's Globe-Miami historic mining district offers natural beauty and a rich mining heritage. The Tri-Town of Globe, Claypool and Miami offers convenient shopping locales, including Walmart, Safeway, Fry's and other local stores. Here, our employees and their families can connect with the outdoors and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere. Visit Globe-Miami.com to learn more.
What You Will Do
Safely perform duties related to the operation and minor maintenance of locomotive equipment and railroad tracks at a skilled level.
  • In this role, you are responsible for the knowledge and safe performance of procedures for working on or near railroad tracks, including the use of chains and slings and inspecting them for defects, crossing from one side of a train to the other, Blue Stake procedures, reading blueprints for proper building of switches, and illustrating standard crane signals.
  • As the Locomotive Operator I, you perform track inspections, general track work, flagging trains, opening and closing boxcars, and re-railing cars after train derailments, and may perform minor track maintenance duties such as lubricating switches and using track wrenches and pneumatic tools to tighten nuts and bolts on railroad tracks.
  • You may load, unload, and transport materials and perform duties that include building track panels, handling and laying track sections, operating ballast regulators, performing ballast train dumping operations, operating spot tampers, track maintainers, and crane cars, and operating track drills, track saws, truck-mounted hoists, backhoes, hi-rail trucks, boom trucks, forklifts, and hydraulic front-end loaders.
  • You may also perform brakeman and switchman duties, including handling, coupling, and uncoupling acid, freight, and concentrate railcars, performing railcar brake inspections, weighing and inspecting railcars, and ensuring proper and safe securing of railcars.
  • You are responsible for the safe movement of freight trains and railcar switching in rail yards, providing clear hand and radio signals to locomotive operators, and demonstrating knowledge and safe performance of locomotive horn signals, riding positions, mounting and dismounting moving trains and locomotives, use of hand brakes, proper alignment of railroad track switches, hand and lantern signals, establishing car clearances, crossing over railcars, guarding or flagging vehicular railroad crossings, spotting railcars, and connecting multi-unit locomotive air hoses.
  • You may perform minor maintenance and operations support activities and perform other duties as required.

What You Bring To Freeport
  • Six (6) months of locomotive operating experience.
  • Must have completed academic and practical competencies required (including Line of Progression requirements for internal employees where LOP exists) and have experience demonstrating the required aptitude, with the ability to apply knowledge and skills while passing a written assessment where required.
  • Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety-related instructions and procedures in English.
  • Ability to communicate in English with respect to job assignments, job procedures, and applicable safety standards.
  • Knowledge of the proper use and performance of railroad track jacks.
  • Knowledge of the proper use and performance of claw bars to move rails and spiking or spacing hammers to insert spikes.

Preferred Qualifications
What We Offer You
The estimated pay range for this role is currently $24.00 - $32.00/hour. This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance. More details will be shared during the hiring process. Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role.
  • Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match
  • Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave
  • Tuition assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle
  • Internal progression opportunities
  • Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!

What We Require
  • Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam.
  • Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing.
  • Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation.
  • Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Please be advised that Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to HRSC@fmi.com.

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