Signal Maintainer (Signalman)

Regular, Full-Time

Position Summary:

The Signal Maintainer is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and testing railroad signal systems, grade crossing warning devices, and related electrical equipment to ensure the safe and efficient movement of trains. This position performs preventative maintenance and responds to signal failures while complying with all FRA regulations, company policies, and safety procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Inspect, test, maintain, and repair railroad signal systems and highway grade crossing warning devices.
• Diagnose electrical, electronic, and mechanical failures using appropriate testing equipment.
• Install new signal equipment, wiring, relays, switch machines, batteries, and control systems.
• Perform scheduled preventative maintenance on signal systems.
• Respond to emergency signal failures, including after-hours and weekend callouts.
• Read and interpret wiring diagrams, blueprints, circuit plans, and technical manuals.
• Test signal functionality following repairs or installations to ensure compliance with FRA and company standards.
• Maintain accurate maintenance, inspection, and testing records.
• Operate company vehicles and specialized tools and equipment safely.
• Coordinate with dispatchers, train crews, engineering personnel, and contractors during maintenance activities.
• Follow all operating rules, safety regulations, lockout/tagout procedures, and roadway worker protection requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Signal training school completion preferred; ability to complete training within 90 days of hire date.
• Experience maintaining railroad signal systems preferred.

• Knowledge of electrical circuits, electronics, mechanical systems, and troubleshooting techniques.

• Ability to read electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Ability to obtain any required FRA or company certifications.
• Familiarity with signal relays, switch machines, crossing gates, batteries, and signal control systems.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• CDL or other heavy equipment certifications preferred but not required.

• Ability to follow instructions and communicate information pertaining to the job.
• Ability to follow proper safety and housekeeping procedures pertaining to the area.
• Must be proficient in communications via radio and able to obtain proper track protection from a dispatcher or yardmaster.
• Must successfully complete any required orientation, training, and continuing education courses including the following, with a score of 85% or higher; Track Safety Standards, Roadway Worker Protection Rules, Railroad Operating Rules.
• Must be proficient in reading, writing, and understanding English.
• Must have basic working ability utilizing desktop/laptop/thin client computers in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, etc. and other computer programs.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

The work environment characteristics and physical requirements described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Working Conditions:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee works and drives in outside weather conditions on a regular basis.
• Working conditions may be rainy, hot, humid, dusty, foggy etc. depending on the weather and may be at night time.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. 
• Duties of this job are also performed in an office and shop environment.
• Employee is also required to drive a vehicle for extended time periods.
• Work nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and be available for emergency call-outs.
• Travel throughout the railroad system as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit.
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle and/or move various objects, tools and/or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, talk, hear, and see.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Visibility must extend to 62’ and beyond.
• Ability to move or handle various items generally weighing between 0-75 pounds. Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.

This position will be reporting to Joey Folsom and/or Mat Rudd 

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position.  Employees will be expected to follow any other instructions, and perform any other duties, as may be required by supervision.