Railroad Switch Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Supervise train crews on a freight train and coordinate switch engine crews.  Place cars to facilitate loading and unloading and the makeup and breakdown on trains in a rail yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Start date scheduled for October 5, 2026. Paid training will commence in New Smyrna Beach, Florida for three (3) weeks; thereafter, new hire Conductors will return to their home Miami terminal for on-the-job training in all levels of Conductor service (Yard, Local, Through Freight).

Starting pay is $29.34/hr. Salary will increase between $39.86 - $44.42/hr once qualified (after the probationary period ends) per collective bargaining agreement

• Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
• Review instructions from dispatchers and yardmasters, and discuss with locomotive engineer and train crew
• Inspect all equipment on cars prior to departures
• Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone
• Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists
• Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses
• Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars
• Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety
• Operate locomotive equipment through the use of remote control device.
• Comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems
• Quickly and repeatedly make precise adjustments in moving the controls of a machine or vehicle to exact positions
• Quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to visual symbols, signals and displays (sound, light, picture, etc.)
• Assist other employees when and where instructed

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Must have a valid driver's license
• 2 years verifiable work experience and/or college
• No driving violations involving alcohol or drugs within the past 3 years

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Outside work experience
• Mechanical aptitude
• Experience working on an on-call basis
• Experience working varying shift schedules
• Heavy equipment experience

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Verbal comprehension (Understand oral and written communications--both general and technical)
• Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions)
• Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting skills)
• Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity
• Basic Math
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work, including on-call 7 days a week, 24 hours per day, with extended periods of time away from home and short rest between assignments in accordance with the hours of service regulation
• Advance to engineer position when required, based on seniority
• Work hours are based on seniority - new hires will work primarily nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must be able to report to work safely with two-hour notice
• Strict disciplinary policy regarding inability to report to work within proper time frame, or failure to accept a call for work
• Lift up to 90 pounds occasionally
• Stoop/bend/kneel/crouch/balance/climb on an occasional basis
• Work outside in all weather conditions and on occasion at elevated heights
• Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
• Wear protective equipment such as hard hat, hearing protection, safety-toe boots, or safety glasses
• Walk long distances over uneven terrain
• Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places
• Ride on the outside of rail equipment for long periods of time
• Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work
• Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations
• Must successfully complete probationary period
• May require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol
• Must pass all required assessments
• Must pass a background and drug screening
• Requires a medical examination, including physical capabilities, audio and vision testing
• Must meet color vision requirements as described in the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Regulations
• Active employees must complete one year in current position or craft before applying for positions
• An active or furloughed employee who changes to a new craft may be required to permanently relinquish his/her seniority in the former craft unless otherwise provided for in the applicable collective bargaining agreement or other governing agreement.
• This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, membership is required

Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.