Track Laborer - Chicago - Calumet, IL
Chicago
Friday, 29 May 2026
Performs physical labor using hand tools and equipment to construct, alter, repair, maintain, and demolish railroad tracks, associated structures, and components. Works as a member of a Local Line Maintenance crew. Click on links to learn more about the Track Laborer - Local Line Maintenance position: Line Maintenance Track Laborer Principal Duties: Carry and place track materials using hand tools such as tie tongs, rail tongs, rail forks, lining bars, shovels, and jacks. Attach rail to ties using spike mauls or spike drivers. Remove spikes with claw bars, spike lifters, and spike pullers. Lift, position, handle, remove and install railroad crossties in and around the track structure. Connect and disconnect rail using track, impact, power wrenches, or welding materials. Move, clean, and tamp ballast (crushed stone-like material) with shovels, tamping picks, clay picks, lining bars, and ballast forks. Raise tracks, turnouts, crossings, and rails with track or power jacks. Cut associated materials with oxygen-acetylene torches, rail saws, cut off saws, and cold chisels. Drill holes with gasoline, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric drill motors. Work alongside heavy equipment by connecting, disconnecting, and controlling material that is being moved and by directing such movement. Participate in safety meetings. Wear all appropriate personal protective equipment. Minimum Qualifications: High School/ GED Must be 18 years of age or older. Valid Driver’s License Capable of lifting and carrying a minimum of 75 pounds. Willing and able to travel to various job sites, including those that require overnight stays and those that require short notice mobilization. Capable of working in inclement weather and/or conditions. Capable of covering distances afoot of one quarter (1/4) to two (2) miles per day, on railroad right of way, negotiating steep grades and rough terrain, without assistance. Capable of working unsupervised at times. Skills and Abilities: Interact effectively as a crew member. Understand and follow verbal and visual communications. Understand and respond to audible and visual signals and warnings. Quickly learn and perform job duties. Recognize, avoid, and report potential hazards. Pay Rates for Track Laborer & Traveling Track Laborer: 1st year rate: $30.98 - $31.44 per hour (90% of full rate) 2nd year rate: $32.70 - $33.18 per hour (95% of full rate) 3rd year rate: $34.42 - $34.93 per hour (100% of full rate)