Rail Jockey - Lakeville - Ingredients Plus

Description

Summary
The Rail Jockey is responsible for safely moving railcars within the facility's rail yard, loading and unloading areas, and staging tracks. This role ensures the efficient flow of railcar traffic to support plant operations while following all safety, regulatory, and company procedures.
Essential functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Operate railcar moving equipment (e.g., Shuttle Wagons, Rail Movers, Trackmobile, Rail King, etc.) to spot, pull, and position railcars as directed.
• Perform visual inspections of railcars prior to movement, verifying seals are correct, checking for defects, securement issues, or safety hazards.
• Couple and uncouple railcars safely, including setting and releasing handbrakes and applying proper securement.
• Check temperatures of railcars and steam as needed based on product.
• Communicate clearly with ground personnel, loaders, and supervisors, using radios and established hand signals.
• Stage railcars for loading/unloading according to daily schedules and production needs, including preparing railcars for upcoming shifts.
• Maintain accurate movement logs, switching orders, and railcar placement data using multiple data systems.
• Follow all FRA, OSHA, and site-specific safety rules, including lockout/tagout and blue-flag procedures.
• Conduct daily inspections of rail-moving equipment and report any issues for maintenance.
• Assist with track inspections, clearing debris, and basic housekeeping of the yard.
• Participate in safety meetings, job briefings, and required training.
• Always maintain and use personal protective equipment per company safety standards.
• Report near misses, unsafe conditions, and equipment defects immediately.
• Assist in production, packaging, and warehouse areas when needed as directed by management.

Supervisory responsibilities

• None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong communication and teamwork
• Attention to detail
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to follow procedures and switching orders precisely
• Mechanical aptitude
• Time management and ability to prioritize tasks

Required education and experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in industrial, manufacturing, or rail yard environments.

Preferred education and experience

• Prior experience as a rail jockey, switchman, conductor, or related rail operations role.
• Familiarity with FRA/OSHA rail safety rules.
• Forklift or heavy equipment experience.

Work environment and physical demands

• Ability to operate or learn to operate railcar movers safely.
• Strong situational awareness and commitment to safety.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and perform physical tasks
• Climbing railcars, ladders, and equipment
• Walking on uneven surfaces and ballast
• Bending, kneeling, and frequent manual coupling/uncoupling
• Ability to visually inspect equipment and hear radio communications clearly

Benefits include:

• Direct deposit paid weekly.
• Quarterly performance bonus opportunities
• Affordable health, vision, and dental insurance plans - Eligible 1st day of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Free health savings account with employer match.
• Fidelity 401(k) with competitive employer match - fully vested from date of hire.
• 3 weeks paid time off plus sick time (pro-rated based on start date).
• 9 paid company holidays and 3 paid personal holidays.
• Boot allowance twice per year.
• Protective equipment and company swag provided.
• Free life insurance up to $150,000.
• Free employer-paid short-term and long-term disability coverages.
• Employee Assistance Programs.
• And more

Travel required

• The home office for this role is indicated at the top of this job description. Travel to other Ingredients Plus locations may be required as business needs arise.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
Other duties