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Signal Helper Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Exec 1 Aviation

Line Service Technician II

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.25/hr

Help assist in snow removal and lawn maintenance. * Help with upkeep of the hangars and grounds ... Execute hand signals in order to guide aircrafts during arrivals and departures

Varsity Tutors

PE - Civil - Transportation Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... helping you save prep time and focus on impactful teaching. * We handle the logistics--you just ... signal design, transportation planning, pavement design, and highway safety. Ability to explain ...

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All JobsSignal Helper JobsSignal Helper Jobs in Iowa

Signal Helper information

See Iowa salary details

$17

$29

$34

How much do signal helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for signal helper in Iowa is $29.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.01 and $34.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a signal helper?

Signal Helpers are entry-level railroad workers who assist Signal Maintainers and Signal Inspectors in installing, maintaining, and repairing railroad signaling equipment. Their duties often include handling tools, preparing materials, digging trenches for cables, and ensuring the safety of the work environment. Signal Helpers play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of train operations by supporting the upkeep of signal systems that control train movements. This position is physically demanding and requires adherence to safety protocols. Over time, Signal Helpers may advance to more skilled positions within the railroad industry.

What does a signal helper do?

Signal helpers assist signal maintainers with the repair, maintenance, and construction of signal equipment, such as electric switch machines, crossing equipment, and wayside signals, for a railroad. Your responsibilities in this career include digging, wiring, cabling, and painting over or removing graffiti from equipment for inside and outside locations. You may be asked to serve as a watchman when necessary. You are also expected to use company vehicles occasionally. Other duties include cleaning, lubing, inspecting, and troubleshooting signal equipment, changing light bulbs and broken lenses, and removing snow during emergency and storm duty. You may also be asked to cut trees and shrubs that interfere with signal equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a signal helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Signal Helper, you need a solid understanding of railway signaling systems, basic electrical knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand tools, signal testing equipment, and safety protocols is typically required, and some employers may prefer OSHA safety certification. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for ensuring safe and efficient operations. These abilities are important because they help maintain the reliability and safety of rail transportation systems while supporting the work of signal maintainers and engineers.

What are some common challenges signal helpers face when working on active railway tracks, and how can they address them?

Signal Helpers often work in close proximity to active railway lines, which requires constant vigilance and strict adherence to safety protocols. One of the main challenges is coordinating effectively with train dispatchers and other crew members to ensure safe track access and avoid service disruptions. Additionally, unpredictable weather and tight maintenance schedules can add pressure. Effective communication, a strong understanding of safety procedures, and teamwork are key to successfully navigating these challenges.

What is the difference between Signal Helper vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectSignal HelperSignal Maintainer
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingRequires more advanced certifications or technical training
Work EnvironmentAssists in installing, inspecting, and maintaining signals, often working outdoors or in rail yardsPerforms detailed maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on signaling systems
Employer & IndustryRailroads, transit agencies, construction companiesRailroads, transit authorities, specialized signaling companies

In summary, Signal Helpers assist with basic tasks and support Signal Maintainers, who perform more complex maintenance and repairs on signaling systems. Signal Helpers typically have less formal training and focus on assisting roles, while Signal Maintainers handle detailed technical work.

More about Signal Helper jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Signal jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Signal jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Signal Helper jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Signal Helper job openings:

Signal Helper jobs near you

Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)

VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Veterans Health Administration rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,006 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Summary
The Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) works independently and may ask for general supervision from the Sleep Lab Supervisor and/or clinical director (MD) or designee to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of disorders. This may involve polysomnography, diagnostic and therapeutic services or patent care and education.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional
Major duties include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Administrative:
    • The Polysomnographic Technologist must be up to date on all policies and procedures.
  • Clinical:
    • Collect, analyze and integrate patient information In order to identify and meet the patient-specific needs, and to determine final testing parameters/procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician or clinical director and laboratory protocols.
    • Complete and verify documentation.
    • Explain pre testing, testing, and post-testing procedures to the patient.
    • Informs patients on usage of all PAP equipment during titration studies.
  • Testing Preparation Procedures:
    • Prepare and calibrate equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments if necessary.
    • Apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards.
    • Perform appropriate physiologic calibrations to ensure proper signals and make adjustments if necessary
    • Perform positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting.
  • Polysomnographic Procedures:
    • Follow procedural protocols to ensure collection of appropriate data.
    • Follow "lights out' procedures to establish and document baseline values (such as body position. ox hemoglobin saturation, respiratory and heart rates, etc.)Perform Polysomnographic data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free and make adjustments, if necessary.
    • Document routine observations including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedure and significant events in order to facilitate scoring and Interpretation of polysomnographic results.
    • Implement appropriate interventions (Including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as continuous and bi-level positive airway pressure, oxygen administration, etc.)
    • Inspire fine tuning. Documents baseline, makes changes in Inspire voltages to ensure a quality signal free of artifact.
    • Follow "lights on' procedures to verify integrity of collected data and complete the data collection process.
  • Polysomnographic Record Scoring:
    • Score sleep/wake stages by applying professionally accepted guidelines. Score clinical events(such as respiratory events. cardiac events, limb movements. arousals etc.,) according to center specific protocols.
    • Generate accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data.
    • Upon request for an emergency procedure with an immediate report, the results will be shown to the interpreting physician as soon as the test is completed and often must convey the report to the requesting physician.
    • Although not responsible for interpretation of the results, the incumbent must know through experience how to recognize abnormalities and promptly bring them to the attention of the supervisor.
    • The incumbent shall review the patient's chart and record pertinent symptoms, medical history, medications and other lab results.
  • PAP Monitoring:
    • As a diagnostic tool, applies CPAP, BPAP, ASV and AVAP when performing polysomnogram studies per physician's diagnosis and request while continuously monitoring equipment in use.
    • Makes independent judgment for changes in the setting of air pressure needed in each individual case.
    • As a diagnostic tool, introduces supplemental oxygen, with or without positive pressure therapy, and titrate oxygen dose as necessary upon physician's request.
Work Schedule: Compressed scheduled; 1900-0700
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
  • Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels.
  • Licensure or Certification: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition.
  • Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
  • English Language Proficiency: MITs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography)Polysomnography Technicians operate the electroencephalograph and other devices to record the electrical activity of the brain during sleep. Registration is offered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT).Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the criteria discussed in the applicable headings, or that defined in the appendices, must be met when determining the grade of candidates.Basic Developmental Levels:Medical Instrument Technician (Trainee)GS-4:
  • Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level. -OR-
  • Education: Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation.
  • In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
    1. Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
    2. Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used.
    3. Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress.
    4. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted.
    5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
GS-5:
  • Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. -OR-
  • Education: Successful completion of [4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions.
  • In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
    1. Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions.
    2. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment.
    3. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities.
    4. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures.
    5. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine.
Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography):GS-6:
  • Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled.
  • In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
    1. Knowledge of standard, computerized polysomnographs for recording continuous all night physiological data including EEG, EOG, EKG, EMG and respiratory parameters.
    2. Knowledge of standard devices such as oximeters, respiratory effort devices, nasal pressure devices, thermistors, thermocouples, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, and laboratory computers including the ability to calibrate and operate the equipment and recognize and eliminate recording artifacts.
    3. Knowledge of medical terminology and medical record organization to review medical records, sleep study orders, consent forms, medical charts, etc.
    4. Knowledge of polysmnographic procedural protocols (including overnight sleep studies, MSLT, MWT, PAP, etc.).
    5. Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology and the international 10-20 electrode placement system in order to conduct the sleep studies.
GS-7:
  • Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to independently conduct difficult but standardized polysomnography examinations.

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About Veterans Health Administration

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The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, serving millions of Veterans each year. Located in Phoenix, AZ, and many other parts of the US, the VHA operates under the Department of Veteran Affairs, as suggested by their official website va.gov. The VHA is dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive care to its veterans. The organization offers a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care, including mental health services, research, and pharmacy benefits.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

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