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Internship Rail Car Inspector Jobs in Macon, GA (NOW HIRING)

Internship Rail Car Inspector information

See Macon, GA salary details

$11

$20

$31

How much do internship rail car inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship rail car inspector in Macon, GA is $20.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an internship rail car inspector do?

An Internship Rail Car Inspector assists in examining rail cars to ensure they are safe and compliant with regulations. This includes checking for mechanical defects, inspecting brakes, wheels, and couplings, and documenting any issues found. Interns may also learn how to use specialized inspection tools and work alongside experienced inspectors to understand maintenance procedures. The role provides hands-on experience in rail safety and maintenance, ideal for those interested in a career in the railroad industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship rail car inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Rail Car Inspector, you need a basic knowledge of mechanical systems, safety protocols, and rail industry standards, often supported by coursework or training in engineering or transportation. Familiarity with inspection tools, diagnostic equipment, and computerized reporting systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring rail car safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient maintenance operations.

What are some common challenges faced by an internship rail car inspector, and how can they be overcome?

As an Internship Rail Car Inspector, one common challenge is quickly adapting to the technical standards and safety protocols required for rail car inspections. Interns may also find it challenging to learn how to identify defects and interpret inspection checklists accurately under supervision. These challenges can be overcome by actively seeking guidance from experienced inspectors, participating in hands-on training sessions, and thoroughly reviewing industry regulations. Building strong communication skills will also help interns collaborate effectively with maintenance teams and supervisors.

What is the difference between Internship Rail Car Inspector vs Rail Car Inspector?

AspectInternship Rail Car InspectorRail Car Inspector
CredentialsTypically pursuing relevant certifications or trainingHigh school diploma, certifications, and experience
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, rail yards, and maintenance facilitiesRail yards, inspection stations, and on-site locations
Employer & IndustryRail companies, transportation agencies, training programsRailroads, freight companies, transit authorities

The Internship Rail Car Inspector role is a training position designed to develop skills in rail car inspection, often requiring ongoing education and certifications. In contrast, a Rail Car Inspector is a full-time professional responsible for inspecting rail cars for safety and compliance. The internship provides hands-on experience, while the inspector role involves independent work and decision-making.

Infographic showing various Internship Rail Car Inspector job openings in Macon, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 55% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,479 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Vulcan Materials rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

295th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Essential Functions
Job requirements include weighing trucks on scale; entering appropriate data into computer (price, product, weight, customer name, etc.)
Collecting cash/checks; interfacing with company personnel and with outside haulers
Generating bill of sale, dray tickets, and bills of lading
Inspect all equipment on cars prior to movement. Instruct locomotive operator threw radio communication in coupling and uncoupling cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings; i.e., replacing broken knuckles or air brake hoses
Required to operate switches; operate uncoupling levers; operate remote control devices; sets/releases hand brakes; inspects and makes minor train repairs; comprehends color and/or hand signals, safety, operating rules and communications; and, switching activities and train movements
Operate and maintain rail equipment, including locomotives, railcars, and other specialized equipment
Conduct regular inspections of rail equipment to ensure safety and compliance with regulations
Perform minor repairs and maintenance on rail equipment
Receive and review directions from supervisor, lead man and clerk and discuss with locomotive engineer and other crew members
The employee may work in high and/or precarious places or cramped work space that requires getting into awkward positions
Must be able to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; grip, climb, reach, shovel, squat, crawl, or pull, push, as well as, bend and lift up to 45 pounds
Must be able to speak, read, and have a working knowledge of the English language if required for the position
Performs start-up and shut down procedures and monitors material flow, load out settings throughout assigned responsible area, making adjustments as required to maximize production and to provide a quality product along with operating same such machines to load same finished product into rail car
Comply with all safety rules and regulations
Critical Competencies
Technical Expertise-Solid mechanical understanding of mobile equipment, including basic maintenance checks and troubleshooting minor issues. Ability to identify signs of equipment malfunction and report them to the maintenance team.
Problem Solving- identify, analyze, and resolve work-related issues efficiently and effectively using practical knowledge, experience, and hands-on skills. This involves identifying the problem, diagnosing the cause, finding practical solutions, implementing fixes, and adapting to unexpected challenges.
Safety Awareness- Ability to recognize, understand, and adhere to safety protocols and procedures in the workplace; proactive in identifying potential hazards, taking steps to mitigate risks, and ensuring that both personal and collective safety are maintained in all tasks and environments.
Collaboration- Ability to work effectively with others to achieve common goals by fostering teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect. It involves actively listening, sharing ideas, problem-solving collectively, and leveraging diverse skills and perspectives. Strong collaboration requires adaptability, conflict resolution, and a willingness to support team members, ensuring productivity and a positive work environment.
Adaptability: Adjusts to new conditions, challenges, or changes in the work environment; demonstrate the ability to be flexible, open-minded, and resilient when facing shifting priorities, unforeseen obstacles, or evolving situations; responds positively to change, learns new skills when necessary, and maintains high performance even in unfamiliar or uncertain circumstances.

Education
High School Diploma/GED or an equivalent combination of training and work experience.
Experience
Office and clerical experience, word processing, and calculator operations are preferred.
Knowledge of the rail weight regulations, capacities, and limitations is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Proficient in operating and maintaining rail equipment, including locomotives, railcars, and other specialized equipment.
Strong mechanical and electrical skills
Excellent communication skills
Able to perform switching, loading/unloading, breaking or making up of trains.
Must be able to operate hand controlled rail switches, pneumatic air valves, manual hand-wheel brakes on railcars, high pressure water hoses, pry bar and shovel
Able to safely and efficiently operate rail load out through the use of conveyor belts, crushers, motor, gear boxes, screens, etc.
Work outdoors and exposed to varying and/or extreme weather conditions (i.e., heat, wet, cold, etc.)
Strong mechanical and electrical skills.
Ability to read and understand technical manuals and schematic
Other Requirements
Must be able to work required overtime, weekends and flexible work schedule as needed
Travel with the train on its assigned route to protect the movement of train
Maintain a clean and safe work environment
Strong mechanical and electrical skills
Valid driver's license
JD Disclaimer
Vulcan Materials Company is an equal opportunity employer.

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