Construction Laborer

Job ID: 18661

Benefits Offering

RailWorks is committed to helping our employees live better lives.  We offer comprehensive benefits packages to eligible employees, including competitive pay, medical, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, and additional performance incentives. 

Pay Range: $21.00 - $24.00 / hour

Position Summary

The Track Laborer performs a variety of tasks involving physical labor to build, repair and maintain railroad track. Uses a variety of hand and power tools and other construction equipment. Works with a crew and reports to a Foreman. Must be able to work safely and as a team member.

***This position requires regular travel***

Examples of tools utilized include: Ballast, rails, spike mauls, tie tongs, rail tongs, rail forks, lining bars, shovels, jacks, spike mauls, spike drivers, claw bars, spike lifters, spike pullers, power wrenches, impact drills, and other welding material.

Primary/Essential Responsibilities and Duties 

• Cleans and prepares construction work sites to eliminate possible hazards.


• Attaches rail, remove spikes, lift and handle railroad crossties.


• Reads and interprets plans, instructions, and specifications to determine work activities.


• Digs ditches or trenches, backfills excavations, and compacts and levels earth to grade specifications, using picks, shovels, pneumatic tampers, and rakes including tamping ballast.


• Positions, joins, aligns, and seals structural components.


• Measures, marks, and records openings and distances to lay out areas where construction work will be performed.


• Signals equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, and adjustment of machinery, equipment, and materials.


• Loads, unloads, and identifies building materials, machinery, and tools, and distributes them to the appropriate locations, according to project plans and specifications.


• Follows company and industry safety rules, practices and procedures.

• Controls traffic passing near, in, and around work zones.

Required Skills and Qualifications  

• Must be 18 years or older.


• 0-2 years of relevant construction experience.


• Willing to work various shift schedules, including nights and weekends.


• Ability to travel to various project and work sites as needed.


• Experience with machines and tools used in construction, including their designs, uses, repair and maintenance.

• Ability to understand written and verbal instructions.

• Ability to understand and follow safety rules, policies, procedures and regulations.


• Ability to work as a team to carry out assigned tasks.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Works outdoors at railroad construction sites in all weather conditions, including very hot and cold weather.


• Capable of walking long distances on uneven or rough terrain.


• Lifts, pushes, pulls, and carries heavy objects, machinery and tools up to 50 pounds.


• Performs physical activities that require considerable use of the arms and legs and moving the whole body, such as standing, climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, bending and handling of materials, equipment and tools.


• May be exposed to loud noise, live track/trains and high voltage.


• Must wear appropriate safety equipment, such as safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection, as required by the company.

RailWorks is North America’s leading track and transit system experts for over 100 years and with 45 offices across the U.S. and Canada.  We take on challenging projects every day and our success rely on a collaborative and open-minded work environment that encourages teamwork, positivity, and ingenuity.  We are committed to creating a culture of trust, respect, and acceptance.  RailWorks also offers opportunities to grow your career, develop your skills and pursue success.  

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 as assigned.

RailWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with RailWorks without regard to an individual’s sex, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.