Railroad Track Inspector Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Northern Plains Railroad is seeking a Regional Foreman to lead track maintenance and rehabilitation crews. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring safety standards, and maintaining high levels of quality and customer satisfaction.

• 1+ year of railroad track maintenance experience with knowledge of GCOR, OTS, and FRA rules
• Proven ability to supervise field teams and ensure safety compliance
• Valid Driver’s License, DOT Medical Card (or ability to obtain), and Class A CDL (non‑tractor trailer)
• Ability to travel and work outdoors in physically demanding environments

Company: Northern Plains Railroad, Inc.

Business Unit: CTW

Department: Repair & Maintenance

Travel: 25%

Schedule: Varies. M-F, 07:00-16:00 with additional hours as necessary

Summary:

The Regional Foreman reports to the Manager or Track Inspector and is responsible for directing a crew in track rehabilitation, track maintenance, track restoration, and track inspection delivering on schedule and customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities at NPRS and other affiliated companies are, but are not limited to:

• Work with Manager and Track Inspectors to plan maintenance and coordinate any immediate maintenance needs as it relates to the customer.
• Receive calls and develop the best means and methods for emergency track repair including safety action plans.
• Takes responsibility for crew performance as it relates to quality, department goals, work performance audits, and company policies and procedures.
• Conducts daily job briefings with crew to review the production goals, performance feedback as relates to efficiency, identify potential hazards, and welcome feedback from the workers.
• Always maintains a dedication to safety and quality being the example, educating & training the workers, and enforcing safe work practices designated by company or customers.
• Communicate with customers and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Perform and document detailed inspection completion and maintenance reports and recommend preventative maintenance plans.
• Ensures track specifications are meet, track work is of quality, reports are turned in daily, and customers are satisfied.
• Document rail/track specifications on location ensuring proper material delivery and replacement.
• May be called on to perform duties system wide throughout the department and work directly with production crews when needed.
• Traveling as Required.

• Will perform work on Northern Plains Railroad as directed.

Competencies:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Must have at least 1-year experience in track maintenance and GCOR, OTS, and FRA training.
• Must have the ability to supervise a crew in the restoration, renewal, maintenance, and new construction of track.
• Able to inspect and recognize any deviation from track safety standards and have the ability to diagnose, prescribe and perform the procedures to correct issues.
• Is responsible for the safe completion of assigned project, filling out required documentation, and conducting a job briefing with supervisor and crew.
• Is responsible for the safety, training, track protection, and assistance of employees under their supervision.
• Must have the comprehensive skills necessary to understand and transfer, detailed written & oral instruction.
• May be called on to perform duties system on NPR and perform work other than track maintenance.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodation may be made to to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:

• Continuous: Work outside on or near railroad tracks, (most of day spent on feet standing). Grasping hand & track tools, materials & equipment. Vision & hearing acuity while on duty.
• Frequent: Must be able to perform manual labor consisting of lifting & carrying 10-50 lbs, bending, and working at ground level in all types of weather. Crouching, reaching above & below shoulder level, stooping and walking. Throwing a switch. Perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs, moving the whole body, such as standing, climbing, bending, lifting, balancing, and handling of materials, equipment, and tools. Exposed to loud noises. Exposed to live track/trains, high voltage, moving equipment.
  • Occasional: Climbing on & off equipment or machines, driving, kneeling, squatting, ascend & descend ladders, sitting, ascend & descend stairs, twisting. Pushing & pulling.
  • Rare: crawling & jogging, sitting.

• May require travel to various facilities and provide additional services.

Environmental:

• Continuous: Must be able to work outdoors in all extreme weather conditions. Work outdoors at project sites in harsh weather conditions including very hot and very cold weather. Exposure to dust. Uneven surfaces. Must wear appropriate safety equipment such as safety glasses, hard hats, safety footwear, and hearing protection as required by the company.

• Frequent: Noise
• Occasional: Vibration, works at heights.

Education and Training:

• GED or higher.
• 1 Year or more working in Railroad or Construction Industries
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPRS driver provisions.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid DOT (Department of Transportation) Medical Certificate (Med Card).
• Class A non-tractor trailer CDL Required

Requirements of Joining Our Team:

Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to:

1.    Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment.

    2.    Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.

    3.    Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.

    4.    Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position.

We value transparency and the safety of our employees and customers, and these steps are essential in upholding our commitment to excellence.

LIFT 2 - Physical Demands Checklist

* Never (N) = Not at all * Rarely (R) = 1-5% * Occasionally (O) = 6-33% * Frequently (F) = 34-66% * Continuously (C) = 67-100%

TASKS

N 0%

R 1-5%

O

6-33%

F

34-66%

C 67-100%

Essential

Comments

Sitting

X

Standing

X

X

Walking Distance: 600 ft

X

X

Bending/Stooping: 2 min

X

X

Sitting while twisting & reaching above shoulder level

X

X

Crawling 10 ft

X

Squatting: 10 reps

X

X

Climbing Stairs: YMCA Step Test

X

NOT Pass or Fail

Climbing Ladder: 30 rungs

X

TASKS continued

N 0%

R 1-5%

O 6-33%

F 34-66%

C 67-100%

Essential

Comments

Balancing CTSIB-M test

X

X

Reaching- Forward

X

X

Reaching- Overhead arm’s length

X

X

Reaching Low Level

X

X

Static Push/Pull: Static push force 50# at shoulder level

X

X

Push/Pull: 90# force at waist level, simulate throw a switch

X

X

Shoveling

X

X

Grip Strength min. 50#

X

X

Gross & Fine coordination

X

X

Lift / Carry

Floor to Waist & Bilateral Carry

<10#

X

X

11-24 #

X

X

25-34 #

X

X

35-50 #

X

X

Lift 50 # Waist to Crown

X

X

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE

Working around moving machinery, parts & equipment

X

X

Working outside & extreme weather conditions

X

X

Exposure to heat /humidity

X

X

Exposure to cold

X

X

Using power equipment

X

X

Slippery surfaces

X

X

Noise

X

X

Works with others, alone, paperwork

X

X

Dust, Smoke, Odors, Fumes, Grease, Oil

X

X

Hearing

X

X

Hearing acuity-MEC/Medical Examiner's Certificate DOT vs FRA-DOT vs OSHA

Speech

X

X

Vision

X

X

Vision acuity-MEC/Medical Examiner's Certificate DOT vs FRA-DOT vs Standard

TASKS continued

N 0%

R 1-5%

O 6-33%

F 34-66%

C 67-100%

Essential

Comments

Standard Vision

X

X

Standard Vision-Snellen/Ishihara/Perimetry

Works at heights

X

X

Electrical hazards

X

X

Uneven surfaces

X

X

Inhalation Exposure

X

X

Cramped quarters

X

X

Hazardous Material

X

X

Chemical Exposure

X

X

Vibration

X

X

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.

NPRS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation. NPRS is a tradename used by Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR), Northern Plains Services, Inc. (NPS), and All Rail, Inc. (All Rail).