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Railroad Switch Operator Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Quantix SCS LLC

Rail Operator

Rincon, GA · On-site

$21/hr

Maintain the cleanliness of the Switching Locomotive and Rail Track area. * Operate all in plant Rail Movement adhering to A&R Rail Operating Procedures and Safety Rules. * Communicate about any ...

Marmon Holdings, Inc.

Operator/Helper

Valdosta, GA · On-site

$18.50/hr

Rail Switching Technicians are responsible for safely operating locomotives and rail equipment while coordinating railcar movement throughout an industrial facility. This role supports the timely and ...

Marmon

Operator/Helper

Valdosta, GA

$18.50/hr

Rail Switching Technicians are responsible for safely operating locomotives and rail equipment ... while coordinating railcar movement throughout an industrial facility. This role supports the ...

Wheelabrator Technologies

Rail Crew Lead

Mauk, GA

The Rail Crew Team Lead can assist other operators and rail personnel by providing solutions to ... Maintain switches, rail joints, crossings, derailers, and clearance points * Oversee railyard ...

WIN Waste Innovations

Rail Crew Lead

GA · On-site

The Rail Crew Team Lead can assist other operators and rail personnel by providing solutions to ... Maintain switches, rail joints, crossings, derailers, and clearance points * Oversee railyard ...

Patriot Rail

MOW Laborer GNRR

Marietta, GA

$22/hr

... the rail, ties, bars, ballast etc. * Inspect, repair and/or install replace track switches ... Heavy machine/equipment operating experience * Welding experience preferred Education and ...

Martin Marietta

Rail Unloader/ load Out Person

Savannah, GA

$14 - $16.75/hr

... yard switching, preparing rail-cars for loading and/or unloading and performing some track and ... Operating equipment and performs other tasks within rail operations * Performing daily pre/post ...

Martin Marietta

Rail Unloader/ load Out Person

Savannah, GA

$14 - $16.75/hr

... yard switching, preparing rail-cars for loading and/or unloading and performing some track and ... Operating equipment and performs other tasks within rail operations * Performing daily pre/post ...

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Railroad Switch Operator information

See Georgia salary details

$10

$19

$33

How much do railroad switch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad switch operator in Georgia is $19.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $22.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by railroad switch operators during their shifts?

Railroad Switch Operators often work in outdoor environments and may face challenges such as inclement weather, night shifts, and the need for constant vigilance to ensure safety. They must coordinate closely with train crews and dispatchers to prevent errors that could lead to delays or accidents. Additionally, handling heavy equipment and responding quickly to unexpected changes in train schedules are common aspects of the role that require both physical stamina and strong communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railroad switch operator?

To thrive as a Railroad Switch Operator, you need a solid understanding of railroad operations, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with signaling systems, track-switching equipment, and safety protocols is essential, and some employers may require certification in railway safety standards. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the safe, efficient movement of trains and minimize the risk of accidents within the rail yard.

What is the difference between Railroad Switch Operator vs Track Maintainer?

AspectRailroad Switch OperatorTrack Maintainer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, certification in switch operationHigh school diploma, safety training, track inspection certifications
Work EnvironmentRail yards, switching areas, near moving trainsRailroad tracks, maintenance yards, outdoor environments
Employer & Industry UsageRailroads, freight companies, transit agenciesRailroads, transit agencies, construction companies

The Railroad Switch Operator primarily focuses on operating and controlling track switches to direct train movements, ensuring safety and efficiency. In contrast, the Track Maintainer is responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railroad tracks and infrastructure. While both roles require safety training and certifications, the Switch Operator emphasizes switch control, whereas the Maintainer concentrates on track integrity and repairs.

What is a railroad switch operator?

Railroad switch operators are workers responsible for controlling the tracks that guide trains from one track to another within rail yards or along rail lines. They operate track switches and signals to ensure trains are directed safely and efficiently to their intended routes. These operators communicate with train crews and other yard personnel to coordinate train movements and prevent accidents. Their role is crucial for the smooth operation of rail transportation systems.
What are popular job titles related to Railroad Switch Operator jobs in Georgia? For Railroad Switch Operator jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Railroad Switch Operator jobs in Georgia look for? The top searched job categories for Railroad Switch Operator jobs in Georgia are:
Railroad Switch Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Switch Operator job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,457 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Switch Operator

VLS Environmental Solutions

Fitzgerald, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC, is a recognized leader in providing sustainability solutions, with three divisions providing industry-leading services. With a mission to innovate solutions to meet clients' sustainability goals, VLS has over 1,200 employees in 40+ locations across North America.

Waste Services

VLS Waste Services provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration.

Railcar Services

VLS Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services division provides specialty cleaning services for difficult-to-clean products, including chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases, and comprehensive repair services for certified full-service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance.

Marine Services

VLS Marine Services division offers state-of-the-art barge cleaning, repair, and gas-free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products.

Switch operator is responsible for the safe movement of railcars within this facility. This role is essential to minimize personal injury and property damage. A switch operators performs daily switching operations for all departments in the shop and communicating well with all Department Supervisors, the Locomotive Operator and the other Switch Operators.

Job Duties:

  • - Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone.
    - Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists.
    - Assist with maintaining documentation of rail car placement.
    - Assist to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches.
    - Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety.
    - Operate locomotive equipment.
    - Properly line switches for railcar movement.
    - Operate railcar equipment such as air hoses and handbrakes.
    - 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).
    - Ability to communicate clearly, listen and understand information through spoken words and sentences to ensure full comprehension of job duties, safety regulations, and other situations that may require an immediate response.
    - Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

  • - High school diploma or equivalent preferred
    - Ability to read and write in English
    - 1 year experience in railcar switching is preferred
    - Ability to define problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
    - Able to use a two way radio

Preferred Requirements:

  • 1 year experience in railcar switching
  • High school diploma or equivalent

Physical Demands & Work Conditions:

  • Must pass a pre-employment background check, physical, and drug screening
  • Able to stand for long periods of time with limited breaks
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Work in extreme temperatures and elements for an extended period of time
  • Must be able to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and smell
  • Must be able to work in confined spaces
  • Must be able to work at elevated heights
  • May encounter fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; risk of radiation and vibration
  • Work near moving mechanical parts and in a loud environment
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

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