1

Terminal Switching Services Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The company provides a wide range of rail services including industrial switching, material handling, terminal & transload services, short line operations, railcar staging, train assembly, and ...

We provide a wide range of rail services including short line operations, industrial switching, material handling, terminal & transload services, and more. With over 50 operations, we are the 3 ...

Apply Early

Conductor

Ferndale, WA · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

We provide a wide range of rail services including short line operations, industrial switching, material handling, terminal & transload services, and more. With over 50 operations, we are the 3 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Terminal Switching Services information

See salary details

$36K

$71.9K

$111K

How much do terminal switching services jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for terminal switching services in the United States is $71,911.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $81,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Terminal Switching Services?

Terminal Switching Services refer to the activities and operations involved in managing the movement and organization of railcars within a rail terminal or yard. These services ensure that railcars are sorted, assembled into trains, or prepared for further transportation efficiently. Terminal switching is crucial for optimizing rail logistics, reducing delays, and improving the overall flow of goods through rail networks. Companies providing these services may work with railroads, shippers, and logistics providers to streamline terminal operations.

What is the difference between Terminal Switching Services vs Switch Operators?

AspectTerminal Switching ServicesSwitch Operators
CredentialsTypically require telecommunications or networking certificationsOften need similar certifications in telecommunications or network operations
Work EnvironmentOperate in data centers, telecom hubs, or control roomsWork in similar environments managing switching equipment and systems
Industry UsageCommon in telecommunications, data centers, and network providersUsed in telecom companies, internet service providers, and data centers

Both Terminal Switching Services and Switch Operators work in telecommunications environments, managing switching systems essential for data and voice traffic. While their roles overlap in credentials and work settings, Terminal Switching Services often focus on the broader management of switching infrastructure, whereas Switch Operators handle the day-to-day operation of switching equipment. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the telecom industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Terminal Switching Services, and why are they important?

To thrive in Terminal Switching Services, you need knowledge of rail yard operations, safety protocols, and logistics, often supported by experience in transportation or a related field. Familiarity with rail switching equipment, computerized tracking systems, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are critical soft skills for coordinating safe and efficient movement of railcars. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring safe, timely, and precise operations within busy rail terminals.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Terminal Switching Services, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Terminal Switching Services often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing tight schedules, and ensuring the safe and efficient movement of railcars or freight within terminal yards. Effective communication and attention to safety protocols are essential, as the work environment is fast-paced and can involve heavy equipment. Developing strong teamwork and problem-solving skills helps address unexpected issues and maintain smooth operations, while ongoing training ensures compliance with industry standards.
More about Terminal Switching Services jobs
What cities are hiring for Terminal Switching Services jobs? Cities with the most Terminal Switching Services job openings:
What states have the most Terminal Switching Services jobs? States with the most job openings for Terminal Switching Services jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Terminal Switching Services jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Terminal Switching Services jobs are:
Infographic showing various Terminal Switching Services job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $71,911 per year, or $34.6 per hour.
Trainmaster - Bayway Terminal Switching - Linden, NJ

Trainmaster - Bayway Terminal Switching - Linden, NJ

Watco

Bayway, NJ

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Watco rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

248th of 352 rated logistics


Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world’s supply chain moving. That’s what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you’re at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there’s one thread that ties everyone together. We’re all on the same team. One Watco.

Here’s what you can expect from Watco:

  • Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
  • Competitive compensation and benefits
  • Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
  • Operations training at the Safe Performance Center in Birmingham, Alabama
  • Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
  • Career advancement opportunities

Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000

Position Description

Supervises and coordinates activities of train crew engaged in switching railroad cars within yard of railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate loading or unloading of cars or making up and breaking up of trains; and/or switches railroad cars within yard of railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to load and unload cars or to make up or break up trains in a safe and efficient manner, by performing the following duties:

*This position does not offer railroad retirement*

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Supervises and coordinates the activities of train crews
  • Receives oral or written instructions from Manager or Customer indicating which cars are to be switched
  • Notifies train crew of switching orders and, whereby, which cars are to be moved to specified locations of yard, using radio, telephone, verbal, or hand signals
  • Manage cars online through various RMI reports
  • Must ensure daily train lists are accurate as generated by the customer service department, and accurate as completed by the train crews within his/her territory
  • Must ensure all reporting is done accurately and timely, including daily crew work sheets and weekly operational reporting
  • Approve all man hours under his/her area of responsibility and forward these hours to the necessary personnel or department on a timely basis
  • Initiate and provide an accurate, complete, and timely investigation of all accidents and incidents, including causes, remedial action, and recommended solutions
  • Understand the quantitative factors contributing to the major costs on the railroad and understand the extent of their effect toward financial performances
  • Adjust locomotive consist requirements based on HP and trailing tons daily, with a goal to minimize locomotive fuel and maximize locomotive utilization
  • Understand all outstanding track conditions within his/her territory, including slow orders, and their effect on productivity/efficiency
  • Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance
  • Knowledge of and skills in applying basic federal railroad regulations, guidelines, and rules
  • Ability to read and comprehend written safety rules, procedure and safety manuals, government regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, memos, and other work-related information
  • Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and/or to apply principles of logic to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; and/or to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems
  • Ability to effectively communicate instructions, directions, processes, procedures, safety rules and regulations to co-workers, supervisors, and others in written, oral, diagrammatic and schedule form
  • Ability to train switch crews and other yard personnel to perform job-related duties; and to provide training related to federal and company regulations, rules, safety guidelines and preventive maintenance
  • Ability to make independent judgments using sound reasoning skills and knowledge base
  • Ability to think and act quickly in responding to emergency and non-emergency situations
  • Ability to talk to and effectively communicate with co-workers, yard personnel, switching crew, engineers, railroad officials and others in a clear, concise, courteous, efficient, and professional manner
  • Ability to pass training and required testing
  • Performs other duties as requested or required

Machines, Tools, Special Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment Used

  • PPE; hard hat, vest, safety glasses, FR clothing, gloves, steel toed boots

Education and Experience

  • High school education or general education development (GED), and minimum of 6 months job-related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Ability to pass training and required testing

Certificates and Licenses

  • Must hold, and continue to hold, a current locomotive engineers and conductor’s certification

What Watco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom