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Rail Yard Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Yard Jockey Night Shift

Lakeville, NY · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Summary The Yard Jockey position is responsible for safely moving, staging, and organizing trailers ... At times, may need to operate railcar moving equipment (e.g., Shuttle Wagons, Rail Movers ...

... bus and rail passengers on four continents. Visit wedriveu.com to learn more about our company ... Support the company policy and procedures and work with operations to enforce yard policy and ...

Operations Supervisor - Transit

Rochester, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... bus and rail passengers on four continents. Visit wedriveu.com to learn more about our company ... Support the company policy and procedures and work with operations to enforce yard policy and ...

Ready Mix Driver - Batavia - Non CDL

Batavia, NY · On-site

$33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... yard. * Provide good customer service; appropriately represent the company on job sites and on ... Riverside, Louis High-Speed Rail in Chicago and more * Opportunities to collaborate with teams ...

Ready Mix Driver - Batavia

Batavia, NY · On-site

$28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... yard. * Provide good customer service; appropriately represent the company on job sites and on ... Riverside, Louis High-Speed Rail in Chicago and more * Opportunities to collaborate with teams ...

Ready Mix Driver - Batavia

Batavia, NY · On-site

$22.75 - $28.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... yard. * Provide good customer service; appropriately represent the company on job sites and on ... Riverside, Louis High-Speed Rail in Chicago and more * Opportunities to collaborate with teams ...

Ready Mix Driver - Batavia

Batavia, NY · On-site

$22.75 - $28.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... yard. * Provide good customer service; appropriately represent the company on job sites and on ... Riverside, Louis High-Speed Rail in Chicago and more * Opportunities to collaborate with teams ...

Rail Yard information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do rail yard jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail yard in Rochester, NY is $16.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a rail yard environment?

Working in a rail yard often involves managing complex logistics, coordinating with multiple teams, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Employees may face challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, handling heavy equipment, and responding quickly to operational changes or emergencies. Effective communication and attention to detail are essential, as the role often requires collaboration with train crews, dispatchers, and maintenance staff to ensure safe and efficient rail operations.

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

To thrive as a Rail Yard Worker, you need a good understanding of rail operations, safety procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with radio communication devices, railcar switching equipment, and basic mechanical tools is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and reliability are important soft skills for ensuring efficient and safe yard operations. These skills and qualities are crucial for minimizing accidents, maintaining workflow, and supporting the smooth movement of freight within the rail yard.

What does a rail yard worker do?

Rail yard workers, also known as rail yard operatives or switchmen, are responsible for organizing and directing the movement of trains and railcars within a rail yard. Their tasks include assembling trains, switching railcars to different tracks, inspecting equipment, and ensuring safety procedures are followed. They play a crucial role in making sure that freight and passenger trains are correctly formed and ready for their scheduled departures.

What is the difference between Rail Yard vs Rail Car Loader?

AspectRail YardRail Car Loader
Primary RoleManaging and coordinating train movements, switching cars, and overseeing yard operationsLoading and unloading cargo from rail cars at specific locations
Work EnvironmentLarge rail yards with multiple tracks and switching equipmentRail cars at loading facilities, often outdoors or in warehouses
CertificationsTypically requires safety training, possibly a commercial driver’s license (CDL)Safety training, sometimes OSHA certifications

Rail Yard workers oversee the overall operation of rail yards, coordinating train movements and managing switching tasks. Rail Car Loaders focus specifically on loading and unloading cargo from rail cars at designated sites. While both roles require safety training and involve outdoor work, Rail Yard positions involve broader operational responsibilities within a rail yard environment, whereas Rail Car Loaders specialize in cargo handling at loading points.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Yard jobs in Rochester, NY? For Rail Yard jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rail Yard jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Rail Yard jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Rail Yard jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Rail Yard job openings:
Infographic showing various Rail Yard job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,344 per year, or $17 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 10 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.