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Tamper Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Minimum of 3 years of experience operating heavy machinery equipment, or at least 1 year of experience operating a tamper (tamping machine or ballast tamper) Preferred Qualifications: * 2 years ...

Tamper Operator

Linton, IN · On-site

$28.15 - $33.12/hr

Minimum of 3 years of experience operating heavy machinery equipment, or at least 1 year of experience operating a tamper (tamping machine or ballast tamper) Preferred Qualifications: * 2 years ...

Tests fire system valves, tamper switches, fire pumps and dry deluge fire systems. * Maintains the ... Maintains vehicle, tools and equipment to ensure availability in safe operating condition. * May ...

Tests fire system valves, tamper switches, fire pumps and dry deluge fire systems. * Maintains the ... Maintains vehicle, tools and equipment to ensure availability in safe operating condition. * May ...

Lubricate chassis, when applicable Install a tamper seal on all plugs * Assist with final safety ... This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go ...

Tamper Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$13

$21

$37

How much do tamper operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for tamper operator in Indiana is $21.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $23.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Tamper Operator position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Tamper Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and familiarity with roadwork or construction equipment, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with operating heavy machinery—specifically tamping machines or compactors—and knowledge of safety protocols and maintenance procedures are important. Strong communication, teamwork, and reliability help individuals thrive in fast-paced, outdoor environments. These skills are essential for maintaining equipment efficiency, ensuring a safe job site, and delivering high-quality work on schedule.

What does a typical workday look like for a Tamper Operator?

A typical day for a Tamper Operator involves setting up equipment at the job site, performing pre-operation checks, and operating the tamper or compactor to compact soil, asphalt, or other materials as directed by supervisors. You'll often coordinate closely with other crew members, follow site safety procedures, and perform routine maintenance on your equipment throughout the day. The work is usually outdoors and may require physical stamina, attention to detail, and adaptability to changing site conditions. Operators are also expected to log their work and communicate findings or issues with their team to ensure smooth project progress.

What is a Tamper Operator job?

A Tamper Operator is responsible for operating specialized machinery, such as a ballast tamper, to maintain and align railroad tracks. Their main duties include adjusting track alignment, compacting ballast, and ensuring smooth and safe railway operation. They work closely with maintenance crews to inspect and repair tracks, often in outdoor and physically demanding conditions. This role requires attention to detail, mechanical skills, and knowledge of railroad safety regulations.

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Tamper Operator jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Tamper Operator job openings:

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

BASIC FUNCTION:To safely and efficiently: operate and maintain equipment used in repairs and rebuilding of the track structure. Perform duties relating to inspection, maintenance, repair and improvement of the track structure and other railroad property/facilities. Transport crew and equipment to/from jobsite.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Operate the Mark IV Production Tamper, or similar replacement equipment
  2. Operate equipment necessary to inspect, repair and improve track structure and other railroad property/facilities such as: hy-rail truck, production switch tamper, ballast regulator, crane, trackhoe, tie-handler, on-track brush cutter, ditcher, dump truck, tractor, backhoe, bobcat/skid-steer and other equipment, as assigned and qualified by INRD.
  3. Operates equipment and vehicles in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with regulations, policies and procedures
  4. Performs equipment safety and maintenance checks, making repairs/adjustments as necessary
  5. Preform all duties of Laborer position as required
  6. Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
  7. Participate in group discussions including unit meetings, job briefings, safety meetings or process reviews
  8. Maintain maintenance-of-way documentation such as summaries and reports
  9. Receive instructions, requests, orders, and information from posted bulletins, memorandums, rules and regulation manuals
  10. Assist Foremen/Track Inspectors, as directed
  11. Preform duties of Section Foremen, as directed

Employment Conditions

  • Work safely, follow standard procedures, be alert and take necessary precautions to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
  • Wear required protective equipment such as hard hat, hearing protection, safety-toe boots, or safety glasses
  • Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek (overtime, various shift work and be "call out" during the week, weekend and holidays outside of normal scheduled hours)
  • Complete annual training and pass safety and track worker rules examinations
  • Federal regulations require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol
  • Must pass and maintain all required assessments, certifications and licenses
  • Must pass a background screening
  • This is a safety sensitive position. Must pass a pre-employment medical examination, including drug and physical capabilities test
  • Must obtain (within 6 months from date of hire) and maintain Commercial Driver's License (CDL) "A" certification
  • Must meet the requirements under Track Warrant Control, On Track Worker Safety Rules, General Code of Operating Rules, INRD Timetables, Safety Rules and Bridge Worker Safety Rules (within 90 days from date of hire)
  • Must successfully complete probationary period

Physical Requirements:

  • Walk long distance over uneven terrain, work around moving equipment, climb, ascend and descend locomotives
  • Employees must be able to meet and comply with the manufacturer's weight limitation safety rating and recommendations for any equipment associated with performing their duties, including safety rating for ladders (both portable and affixed) and fall arrest equipment
  • Heavy work, lifting up to 70 pounds occasionally and up to 100 pounds on a rare basis
  • Reach, bend, push, pull, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, sit, stand, balance and lift in the course of duties
  • Talk/hear (communicate, detect, converse with, discern, convey, express oneself, exchange information)
  • See (detect, determine, perceive, identify, recognize, judge, observe, inspect, estimate, assess)
  • Must possess at least 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses. Must be able to recognize and distinguish colors displayed by signals, signs, etc. Has ability to distinguish with no more than four (4) errors in a sixteen (16) plate isochromatic test. Must possess an average hearing threshold (in the better ear) of 40db at 500HZ 1000HZ and 2000HZ, aided or unaided.

Basic Competencies

  • Verbal comprehension (understand oral and written communications)
  • Communication skills (listen, speak and write clearly and concisely)
  • Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting skills)
  • Accountability (demonstrate and communicate a high level of ownership and commitment to achieving results)
  • Teamwork (work closely with employees toward a common goal)
  • Basic math

Environmental Conditions

  • Work outside in all weather conditions (severe weather and extreme temperatures possible) and on occasion at elevated heights
  • Work in a vehicle or cab
  • Exposure to noise (from diesel engines, air brake equipment, track equipment, sanders, horns, radios etc.)
  • Exposure to equipment that intensifies the heat factor on an occasional basis
  • Exposure to adverse environmental conditions possible (such as dust, pollen, fumes, etc.)

All INRD employees must know and follow job safety procedures, attend required safety training, proactively promote safety at work and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

DISCLAIMER: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

INRD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School diploma/GED
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience operating heavy machinery equipment, or at least 1 year of experience operating a tamper (tamping machine or ballast tamper)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 2 years experience operating a tamper (Production/switch Mark IV tamper or switch Mark III tamper)
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
  • 5 or more years experience in the railroad industry (Engineering/Maintenance of Way)
  • Track maintenance experience