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Rail Yard Laborer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

G&W

Conductor

Petersburg, IN · On-site

$32.59/hr

Climb on and off equipment and walk the length of the train or rail yard to support train ... Labor.

Genesee & Wyoming Inc

Conductor

Petersburg, IN

$32.59/hr

Benefits are subject to change and may vary by labor agreement Explore your future with G&W today ... Climb on and off equipment and walk the length of the train or rail yard to support train ...

Watco

Conductor/Engineer - Hammond, IN

Hammond, IN

$25 - $29/hr

... the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and ... a manual labor position which requires that the individual become proficient in the following ...

Watco

Conductor/Engineer - Hammond, IN

Hammond, IN · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

... yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of railcars in a safe and efficient manner to service our customers. This position is a manual labor ...

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

Equipment Operator

East Chicago, IN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

... yard and emptying gaylord boxes as required. * Responsible for switching rail cars, locomotive ... Performs other general laborer tasks as required * Performs daily inspections of equipment Minimum ...

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Rail Yard Laborer information

What is a rail yard laborer?

Rail yard laborers, also known as rail yard workers or switchmen, are responsible for assisting in the safe and efficient movement of trains and railcars within a rail yard. Their duties include coupling and uncoupling railcars, operating track switches, inspecting and maintaining equipment, and sometimes signaling to train crews. They play a crucial role in organizing railcars for loading, unloading, and assembling trains according to schedules. The job often requires physical labor, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

What is the difference between Rail Yard Laborer vs Rail Car Cleaner?

AspectRail Yard LaborerRail Car Cleaner
CredentialsNone required or basic OSHA trainingNone required, OSHA training may be provided
Work EnvironmentRail yards, outdoor, physically demandingRail cars, indoor/outdoor, cleaning and maintenance
Industry UsageCommonly employed in rail yards and freight terminalsPrimarily in rail car maintenance facilities
Job FocusAssisting with loading, unloading, and yard organizationCleaning and inspecting rail cars

The main difference between a Rail Yard Laborer and a Rail Car Cleaner lies in their job focus and work environment. Rail Yard Laborers handle yard operations, loading, and organizing freight, often outdoors in busy rail yards. Rail Car Cleaners specialize in cleaning and inspecting rail cars, typically within maintenance facilities. Both roles require physical effort but differ in specific duties and settings.

What are some common challenges rail yard laborers face during their shifts?

Rail Yard Laborers often work in outdoor environments where weather conditions can vary greatly, which may present physical challenges. They are required to stay alert and follow safety protocols closely due to the presence of heavy machinery, moving trains, and complex logistics. Adapting to irregular work hours, including nights and weekends, is also common, as rail yards operate around the clock. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as laborers regularly coordinate with engineers, conductors, and other crew members to ensure efficient and safe rail yard operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail yard laborer?

To thrive as a Rail Yard Laborer, you need strong physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with rail yard equipment, hand tools, and sometimes certifications in hazardous materials handling or forklift operation are typical requirements. Dependability, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills that help ensure smooth coordination and accident prevention. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and productivity in a demanding rail yard environment.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Yard Laborer jobs in Indiana?

For Rail Yard Laborer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Yard Laborer jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Yard Laborer jobs in Indiana are:

Rail Yard Laborer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Yard Laborer job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Conductor

G&W

Petersburg, IN • On-site

$32.59/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Company / Benefits Overview:
Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) team - part of a legacy that is over 125 years old. With a network of 100+ individual freight railroads and 4,000 employees across North America, we provide transportation and logistics services to more than 2,000 customers.
At G&W, we live by our Core Values: Safety, Service, Integrity, Respect, Transparency, Accountability, Innovation and Excellence. We offer competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, and paid training to help you succeed. Check out some of our great benefits below:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision & Telehealth
  • Company-paid Life Insurance
  • Optional benefit coverages for Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital, ID Theft & Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending & Health Savings account plans
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • On the Job Training
  • Paid Time Off
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • And more!

* Benefits are subject to change and may vary by labor agreement
Explore your future with G&W today and learn more about the opportunities to grow across our organization!
Job Summary:
As a Conductor, you'll play a key role in moving freight safely and efficiently to customers. We will provide you with both classroom and hands-on training to set a strong foundation for a long-term career. You'll work outdoors in all weather conditions, tackling new challenges each day while ensuring we meet our customers' needs. This is a physically active position with real opportunities for growth and advancement in a complex and dynamic environment.
See our employees in action to learn more at https://www.gwrr.com/careers/.
Responsibilities:
  • Comply with all federal, state, and other applicable railroad safety and operational regulations
  • Follow instructions when working with a certified trainer, mentor, or supervisor
  • Communicate with team members using oral, written, hand signals, lantern signals or radio instructions to coordinate train or railcar movement
  • Operate track switches to determine the route of the train or rail equipment
  • Evaluate, plan, and complete all assigned work safely and efficiently
  • Climb on and off equipment and walk the length of the train or rail yard to support train operations
  • Apply or release hand brakes on railcars multiple times a day to control movement
  • Read and understand the rule books and other written or printed material
  • Inspect the condition of the train and equipment in movement and while stationary for safety compliance
  • Connect air hoses and electrical components between locomotives or railcars
  • Utilize basic computer skills proficiently for electronic reporting and train documentation
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:
  • Full-time (40 plus hours weekly)
  • Varying schedule in a 24/7 work environment that includes nights, holidays, weekends, and on-call as needed
  • Outdoor work in all weather conditions working up to a 12-hour shift
  • Walking long distances on uneven surfaces and climbing ladders and equipment always ensuring three points of contact in varying environmental conditions
  • Able to lift up to 75 pounds from floor to waist and carry short distances
  • Able to squat, bend and lift overhead
  • Have good balance and coordination
  • Must meet vision requirements (including color)

Skills and Experience:
  • 2+ years of related or relevant work experience is a plus
  • Effective communication skills both written and verbal
  • Experience working in a safety-sensitive environment is a plus
  • Possess situational awareness and decision-making abilities to respond effectively in a safety sensitive environment

Required Education and Credentials:
  • High school diploma or GED; or an equivalent combination of education and/or work experience
  • Valid driver's license
  • At least eighteen years of age

Employment Requirements:
  • Pre-employment physical, hearing, and vision medical review
  • Subject to federally mandated drug and alcohol testing including pre-employment drug screening
  • Background screening including criminal and motor vehicle driving history

Relocation:
Must live within 50 miles of assigned location or be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.
This position is employed by the specific entity set forth in the job posting.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. and its subsidiary companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected status protected under federal, state or local laws.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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