Job Description
Job Title: Rail Loader/Unloader- Casual/Part Time
Location: Wentzville NS
Date: October, 2025
Summary This position is to prepare railcars for loading and offloading, disengaging vehicles from railcars, driving vehicles off railcars, and preparing railcars for transportation according to manufacturer manuals and American Association of Railroad standards. This is a general overview of the requirements of the position, not an all-inclusive list of activities. This job description is continuously evolving and may change without notice. Safely driving vehicles onto or off railcars wearing PPE, securing vehicles to railcars according to manufacturer and American Association of Railroad standards.
Essential Duties and Tasks - Drive vehicles to and from specified locations in the yard and on/off rail cars.
- Make certain all vehicles are parked in proper locations and bayed correctly.
- Understand and apply all AWCT, customer, AAR, safety, and quality standards/policies.
- Follow all safety guidelines to guarantee the job is done in a safe manner.
- Identify vehicles and insert documentation or scan VINs as required.
- Inform Managers of any issues that could affect production, safety, or quality standards.
- Log/scan processed work into computer programs or tracking systems as required.
- Read and match VIN numbers (including VIN plate) quickly and accurately to ensure movement of proper vehicles.
- Read, compare, and understand work orders, repair orders, purchase orders, purge sheets, and other documents to complete work.
- Visually verify and inspect vehicles for damage prior to breaking chocks off any vehicle before starting to unload; notify supervisor of the damage immediately.
- Report missed bayed unit to supervisor or manager immediately.
- Open or close railcar doors.
- Raise and lower railcar decks.
- Lift, set and pin bridge plates and uninstall bridge plates as required.
- Responsible for junction spacing to ARR standards using proper equipment.
- Secure/unsecure customer vehicles to railcars using approved chocks and tie-downs as required; store any additional chocks and tie-downs left on the deck(s).
- Operate and set buck ramps and stationery loading/unloading ramps.
- Keep work areas, vans, appropriate work attire, etc. clean and neat
- Notify supervision of any workplace hazards or unsafe conditions immediately upon discovery.
- Attend monthly safety meetings.
- Report accidents and injuries immediately and follow up with the completion of the appropriate forms.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements - Ability to adhere to strict production, safety, and quality standards without variance
- Ability to climb ladders and work at a height approximately 15-20 feet above the ground
- Ability to lift 55 pounds overhead frequently
- Ability to push, pull or carry up to 75 pounds
- Ability to work outdoors, 100% of the time, in all weather conditions (often extreme) for extended periods
- Ability to stand, walk and work in confined spaces for extended periods of time for up to a 10-12-hour shift (sometimes split shift).
- Ability to get in and out of vehicle driver's door with minimal door opening clearance
- Ability to use company-provided technological equipment to assist in job duties
- Ability to function effectively under pressure as crews work together on production standards to complete work safely and timely without incident
- Ability to verbally communicate with others effectively; work as a team with good interpersonal skills
- Ability to judge distances
- Must have the ability to maintain a good sense of balance
- Ability to climb up and down railcar ladders at a 90-degree angle multiple times per shift while maintaining 3 points of contact for safety.
- Ability to pass Driver's Safety Test, Rail Safety Test and Buck Ramp quiz with 80% or higher
- Ability to read and match numbers quickly and accurately
- Ability to differentiate between colors for vehicle identification
- Ability to read and understand location cards and work orders
- Ability to read, understand and interpret SDS manuals
- Ability to write, read, and comprehend basic English
- Ability to drive standard and automatic automobiles
- Ability to follow directions, both written and verbal
- Knowledge of the use of hand tools (i.e., wrenches, screw drivers, ratchets, etc.)
- Must have a valid driver's license; good driving record with the ability to maintain the same
- Must pass AWCT pre-placement background clearances including pre-employment drug screening, HPE/POET physical demand testing
- Must be able to obtain and maintain e-RAILSAFE/e-Verifile clearances as required by the AWCT customer
- High School Diploma and/or GED
- Regular attendance in all weather conditions
- Good visual and auditory ability
- Maintain positive behaviors and conduct in the workplace while acting and communicating with others, customers, vendors, co-workers, and management.
Physical Demands Check physical demands that apply
Describe job responsibilities that require physical demands checked
Standing
☒
25
% of time
Concrete, railcar, yard, rail car decks
Walking
☒
60
% of time
Concrete, railcar, yard, rail car decks
Sitting
☒
15
% of time
Driving vehicles & riding in vans
Lifting
☒
55
lbs.
Raise/lower bridge plates, hinged decks
Carrying
☒
7-55
lbs.
Chocks, tie down straps, bridge plates, tools, scanners
Pushing
☒
75
lbs.
Open/close railcar and vehicle doors, ratcheting, come-alongs, lifting/lower decks
Pulling
☒
75
lbs.
Open/close railcar and vehicle doors, rail ladders, ratcheting, come-alongs, lifting/lowering decks
Stepping
☒
95
% of time
In/out vehicles, rail ladders, in/out railcars
Balancing
☒
100
% of time
Exposed to outside weather conditions, often extreme, 100% of the time, climbing on/off railcars, walking, in/out of vehicles
Stooping
☒
75
% of time
Tie/untie units on rail, placing chocks, inspections, breaking vehicles, ratcheting
Kneeling
☒
75
% of time
Tie/untie units on rail, place chocks, inspections, breaking vehicles, ratcheting
Crouching
☒
75
% of time
Tie/untie units on rail, placing chocks, inspecting vehicles, breaking vehicles, ratcheting
Crawling
☒
10
% of time
Tie/untie units on rail, placing chocks, inspecting vehicles, breaking vehicles, ratcheting
Reaching
☒
34-66
% of time
Minimum 10# grip/drive vehicles, tools, setting accessories, rail ladders, doors, handles
Handling
☒
67-100
% of time
Drive vehicles; load/unload; tie down, keys, chocks, ratchets, steering, ladders
Speaking
☒
Communicating issues to others, communicating understanding, requesting assistance, notifying supervisors of safety issues
Hearing
☒
Horns, vehicle noises for safety, rattles, listening to instructions/directions, safety briefings, supervisors, co-workers
Seeing
☒
Vehicle colors, reports, work quality, safety postings and signs, safety hazards, street signs
Depth Perception
☒
Driving vehicles, railcar depth
Color Vision
☒
Vehicle identification, identifying safety flags/cones
Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this position.
Equal Employment Opportunity AWCT is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected class with respect to employment opportunities.
Job Tags
Part time, Casual work, Immediate start, Shift work,