Switch Operator

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC, is a recognized leader in providing sustainability solutions, with three divisions providing industry-leading services. With a mission to innovate solutions to meet clients' sustainability goals, VLS has over 1,200 employees in 40+ locations across North America. Waste Services VLS Waste Services provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration. Railcar Services VLS Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services division provides specialty cleaning services for difficult-to-clean products, including chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases, and comprehensive repair services for certified full-service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance. Marine Services VLS Marine Services division offers state-of-the-art barge cleaning, repair, and gas-free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products. Switch operator is responsible for the safe movement of railcars within this facility. This role is essential to minimize personal injury and property damage. A switch operators performs daily switching operations for all departments in the shop and communicating well with all Department Supervisors, the Locomotive Operator and the other Switch Operators.

Job Duties:

• Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone.
• Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists.
• Assist with maintaining documentation of rail car placement.
• Assist to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches.
• Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety.
• Operate locomotive equipment.
• Properly line switches for railcar movement.
• Operate railcar equipment such as air hoses and handbrakes.
• Comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems.
• Quickly and repeatedly make precise adjustments in moving the controls of a machine or vehicle to exact positions.
• Quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to visual symbols, signals and displays (sound, light, picture, etc).
• Ability to communicate clearly, listen and understand information through spoken words and sentences to ensure full comprehension of job duties, safety regulations, and other situations that may require an immediate response.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Ability to read and write in English
• 1 year experience in railcar switching is preferred
• Ability to define problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Able to use a two way radio