At a Glance
- Tasks: Support rail operations by safely operating locomotives and managing railcars.
- Company: Join Railserve, a leader in industrial railyard services backed by Berkshire Hathaway.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, health benefits, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off.
- Other info: Paid training provided; all skill levels encouraged to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: High school diploma preferred; strong teamwork and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.
Railserve is hiring dependable, safety-focused Rail Switchmen (Helpers) in Guernsey, SK to support daily rail operations at industrial facilities. This is a full-time, outdoor, hands-on role critical to keeping railcars moving safely and efficiently.
Railserve is a leading provider of industrial railyard services across the United States and Canada. Our teams deliver on-site rail switching, material handling and transloading, track construction and maintenance, and locomotive service and repair for customers who depend on safe, reliable rail operations every day. With decades of industry experience, Railserve is built on a foundation of safety, teamwork, and operational excellence. We invest in our people, promote from within, and use innovative, safety-focused technology to keep railyards running efficiently.
In this role, you’ll work as part of a team to safely operate locomotives, interpret train signals, and perform switching and placement of railcars. Whether you bring prior rail experience or are looking to grow your career in rail operations, Railserve provides paid training, strong leadership support, and long-term career opportunities. If you enjoy physical work, problem-solving, and working in a fast-paced environment where safety and teamwork come first, this role may be a great fit.
Schedule
- Full-time; day shift only. Weekends and holidays as required by rail operations.
- Crew 1: Sunday to Wednesday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Crew 2: Thursday to Sunday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Crew 3: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Compensation
Starting at $28.87 CAD per hour
Duties
- Inspect locomotives before operation to verify fuel, sand, and water levels
- Operate locomotives using throttle and airbrakes following signals and train orders
- Interpret train signals, rules, and regulations to ensure safe movement of railcars
- Operate switches, derails, gates, and trackside equipment
- Control train movement using radio communication, hand signals, and lanterns
- Couple and uncouple railcars, manage air hoses, and apply hand brakes
- Monitor track conditions and report hazards or obstructions
- Perform routine maintenance checks and assist with lubrication of equipment
- Prepare reports related to delays, incidents, and operations
- Assist in training new employees
- Follow all safety procedures and wear required PPE
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
- Dependable with reliable transportation
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment
- Ability to read and interpret safety procedures and technical materials
- Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- Ability to lift, carry, and handle equipment (up to ~50 lbs)
What We Offer (Benefits)
Railserve is committed to being an Employer of Choice, offering competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package:
- Extended health care
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Life insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Tuition reimbursement
Grow With Us
Don’t worry if you don’t meet every qualification. Railserve values reliability, work ethic, and a willingness to learn. We invest in training and developing our employees for long-term success.
Additional Information
- All skill levels are encouraged to apply; training will be provided
- Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions
- Role requires working around heavy equipment and in loud environments
- Position includes both operator and helper responsibilities
Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.
Rail Switchman (Helper) employer: Railserve
Railserve is an excellent employer for those seeking a hands-on, safety-driven role in the vibrant community of Guernsey, SK. With a strong commitment to employee growth through paid training and long-term opportunities, our supportive work culture prioritises safety and teamwork, making it an ideal place for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in rail operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail Switchman (Helper)
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Railserve.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Railserve. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Rail Switchman (Helper)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Railserve, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Railserve and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Railserve. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Railserve
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Railserve.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Railserve.