Rail Works Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $32,892.00 - $41,115.00 Annually
Location : HAMILTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Chattanooga, TN
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 08/24/2026 - 1477
Division: PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION
Department: Highway
Opening Date: 08/24/2026
Closing Date: 9/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
Under close supervision, performs a variety of duties related to the maintenance of County highways and bridges such as road striping, sign installation, cutting trees, maintenance of right-of-way, fencing, traffic control and repair of road beds.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, physical requirements, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.
Tasks
Performs a variety of general labor/road maintenance and repair work tasks at various locations throughout the county; including but not limited to sign installation, cutting trees, installation and repair of guardrails, traffic control to ensure work zone safety, maintenance of right-of-way and fencing, may oversee inmates assisting with road maintenance.
(Detailed list of some tasks below)
Operates a variety of heavy vehicles and equipment such as, but not limited to, front-end loaders, tractors, and rollers in the loading, hauling, and unloading of various equipment, materials, and supplies in a safe and efficient manner; performs vehicle and equipment checks; performs preventive maintenance; may transfer equipment to and from work sites; may provide assistance in snow removal and ice control. May be called upon to work during emergency weather conditions during and after normal work hours. Works around all types of moving equipment. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Employees may be required to perform the following duties during any given work period:
NOTE: This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks and should be noted that heavy equipment is used when it is applicable and available.
INSTALL OR REPAIR GUARDRAILS
Lift and carry guardrail components:
Posts (+/- 50 pounds)
12' Rail (+/- 100 pounds)
25' Rail (+/- 200 pounds - Requires 2 crewmembers to carry)
End flap (+/- 25 pounds)
Guardrail jobs often involve the use of a sledge hammer (10 to 16 pounds), pry bars, wrenches and sockets, and almost constant manipulation of components by pushing, pulling, and prying.
CUTTING AND REMOVING TREES FROM ROADWAYS DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER
Carry and use:
Chainsaw weighing approximately 25 pounds
Axe weighing approximately 10 pounds
Sledgehammer and Wedge weighing approximately 15 pounds
Cutting trees involves rolling or carrying branches and logs which can sometimes weigh from 5 to 100 pounds. Depending upon the severity of the weather, this task can continue for periods of up to twelve (12) hours with limited breaks.
ERRECTING AND REPAIRING FENCES
Lift, carry, and use components and tools:
Fence Posts weighing approximately 5 to 75 pounds
Wire Rolls weighing approximately 25 to 200 pounds (Requires 2 crewmembers)
Pole Drivers weighing approximately 25 to 75 pounds
Post Hole Diggers weighing approximately 20 pounds
Steel Bar weighing approximately 25 pounds
Concrete Bags weighing approximately 40 to 80 pounds
Fence building and repair often requires constant manipulation of components by lifting, pushing, and pulling.
CLEANING DRAIN TILE
Employees work in conjunction with water truck. Working in and around tiles and confined spaces. Lifting concrete box lids - approximately 100 to 300 pounds (requires 2 or 3 crewmembers). Pulling hoses against pressure to free obstructions using high pressure hoses (firehose). Requires digging in and around drainage structures with shovel or mattock.
SALT AND SAND DISTRIBUTION (SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL)
Often involves hand work with shovels to spread salt and sand to areas not accessible by salt trucks; physically shoveling and slinging salt and sand.
CLEANING LEAVES OUT OF DITCHES AND DRAINAGE STRUCTURES
Physical manipulation of pitchforks, rakes, and brooms to gather and pick up leaves.
FLAGGING AND TRAFFIC CONTROL
Placement of signs and stands along with use of flags and "Stop & Go" paddles:
Sign (work zone)weighing approximately 10 pounds
Stand weighing approximately 20 pounds
Paddle weighing approximately 3 pounds
Flag weighing approximately 1 pound
Cones (if needed) weighing approximately 2 pounds
Flagging requires the flagger be mentally alert at all times and often requires long periods of standing.
WEEDEATING
Handle weedeater and various other tools:
Weedeaterweighing approximately 12 pounds
Blower (handheld) weighing approximately 10 pounds
Broom weighing approximately 3 pounds
CUTTING AND/OR GRINDING CONCRETE AND ASPHALT
Lift and use "walk behind" grinder and saw, as well as, handheld saw:
Saw (walkbehind) weighing approximately 100 pounds
Grinder (walkbehind) weighing approximately 125 pounds
Saw (handheld) weighing approximately 25 pounds
Saws and grinder (walk behind units) are not physically demanding to operate but have to be lifted in and out of vehicles for transport, usually done by 2 or more crewmembers.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics
Knowledge of guidelines and other documentation for sign installation, right-of-way
maintenance, usage and operation road equipment and tools.
Knowledge of Hamilton County policies and procedures.
Knowledge of relevant Federal, State, and County codes and regulations relating to highway maintenance
and workplace and traffic safety.
Knowledge of County geography, facilities and work sites.
Skill in reading, interpreting, understanding, and applying applicable Federal and State rules and
regulations, Hamilton County Policies and Procedures.
Skill in working with a variety of hand tools and other equipment such as shovels, rakes, weed-eaters,
mowers/tractors and road equipment.
Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with the public, department staff,
contractors, and other County departments.
Skill in the performance of basic laborer type functions (i.e. ,digging, raking, carrying and lifting).
Skill effectively communicating in both oral and written form.
Minimum Qualifications
A valid driver's license is required.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position is deemed essential/situational during inclement weather situations and must report to or remain at work, even when administrative closings are announced, as determined by the Department Head.
Prior to operating a County-owned vehicle, all employees are required to complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or or an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided at the department level.
SAFETY SENSITIVE:
This position has been identified as "safety sensitive" under the definition of 49 CFR Part 40-Department of Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policy. This position will be subject to drug and alcohol testing for the following: 1) post offer pre-employment 2) when there is reasonable cause 3) after an on-the-job accident or contributing to an accident 4) on a random basis 5) prior to return to duty after suspension and/or 6) as follow-up. This is additional and also subject to the Rules and Regulations of The Employee Handbook.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work requires sustained physical effort involving considerable walking and standing with limited sitting and driving. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. The employee must frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust while performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions and is frequently exposed to hot, cold, dry, wet, dusty, muddy, windy, and/or humid conditions. The employee frequently works near moving equipment, mechanical parts, and is frequently exposed to vibrations, jostling, and bouncing. The employee may work in high, precarious places and may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all 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.
Any overtime hours offered in this position are not guaranteed, are an estimate, and are subject to change.
All positions within Hamilton County Government are considered work in-person and require regular and punctual attendance.
All positions within Hamilton County Government may require work on Holidays or weekends. Additionally, irregular hours and shift work may be required, including possible extension of shift hours, at times with short notice.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Hamilton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. A copy of Hamilton County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) & Utilization Report is available on the County's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office home page.
https://www.hamiltontn.gov/Department_EqualEmploymentOpportunityOffice.aspx
Hamilton County Government
Meeting the needs of the people where they live, work, and play!
Hamilton County, Tennessee offers a lower cost of living, ease of getting around, a lively arts tradition, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
Working for Hamilton County Government provides many great benefits - take a look at a few of those highlighted below...
On-Site Employee Health Clinic

• No copay to utilize clinic services.
• Clinic services include routine office visits, sick visits, labs, flu shots, and more
• TextCare - Access to care 24/7 via TextCare, which is direct, unlimited access to medical care 24/7 through text message.

(Employee access to the clinic is available from day one. A covered spouse or dependent has access as soon as their health plan coverage is effective. Children age 3 and up who are covered by the County's insurance are eligible to be seen.)

• Telehealth - Two-way, real-time interactive communication between the patient and a practitioner through telecommunications, which may include audiovisual options.
• One to One Provider Network - Availability to utilize a network of providers that provide a high level of care at a lower copay/cost.
• Health Management Programs - Offered to help employees and their family members in managing the following health conditions: Asthma, Diabetes, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), and Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol)
• Nutritional guidance - Nutritional education provided to assist in making the appropriate food /health choices.

On-Site Employee Pharmacy

• Low-cost prescriptions available to those covered under the County health plan.
• Over the counter items offered at cost.
• RxLocal App - Mobile app provides a convenient way to stay connected and manage your health. Through the app you can request refills and ask questions.
• On-site Pharmacist available to answer questions and provide information.

Hamilton County Government offers competitive insurance coverage to fulltime employees.
Medical coverage is offered through Cigna to fulltime employees. The County pays a generous portion of the medical premium. Two options are available to choose from: LCP (Local Cost Plus) and OAP (Open Access Plus).

• The LCP has a smaller network that includes most providers and hospitals, with the exception of Parkridge facilities/providers.
• The OAP is a national network of facilities/providers that includes most providers/hospitals, including Parkridge.

Dental coverage is a voluntary benefit available to fulltime employees. Three coverage options are offered: Cigna High Plan, Cigna Low Plan, and Sun Life DHMO.

• The Cigna High Dental Plan covers orthodontia for children up to age 18. A national network of dental providers is available to choose from and this plan offers out of network coverage.
• The Cigna Low Dental Plan does not cover orthodontia. A national network of dental providers is available to choose from and this plan offers out of network coverage.
• The Sun Life DHMO plan is a prepaid dental plan that offers benefits through a network of plan dentists. A dental provider must be selected when enrolling and services must be provided by that provider for benefits to apply.

Life Insurance/Accidental Death and Dismemberment is provided through Symetra. The County provides $30,000 of Basic Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage at no cost to fulltime employees.
Additional voluntary benefits fulltime employees have access to enroll in are as follows:
-Individual Short-Term Disability (STD) -Voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD)
-Flexible Spending Account-Health Care -Flexible Spending Account-Dept. Care