Railroad Flagger

Role Overview

National Railroad Safety Services, Inc. (NRSS) is looking for a Railroad Flagger in Johnson City, NY. This is a full-time field role focused on protecting crews working on or near tracks by managing train movements and enforcing rail safety procedures. The position supports work for large railroads, regional lines, transit agencies, state transportation rail programs, and contractors.

Reporting Line and Travel

This position reports to the District Manager. Extensive travel is part of the job, and the typical travel commitment is about 50% to 85%. The role may also require extended assignments away from home, sometimes lasting for months.

Compensation

Pay is listed at $25 to $37 per hour, depending on experience.

What You’ll Do

• Organize and coordinate activities at active job sites.
• Keep dispatchers, train crews, railroad personnel, and contractors aligned through clear communication.
• Lead safety meetings before work begins.
• Apply and enforce railroad, state, and federal safety rules.
• Confirm that contractors have completed required training.
• Identify unsafe behavior or rule violations and take action.
• Prepare daily activity reports.
• Maintain on-track safety in line with federal requirements.

Required Background

The employer is seeking someone with at least 2 years of experience in a Class 1 railroad, regional short line, transit system, State DOT rail division, railroad supplier, railroad contractor, and/or railroad consulting environment, preferably in the Maintenance of Way department.

Skills and Working Knowledge

• Comfort with basic business tools such as Citrix, email, phone systems, and texting applications.
• Ability to use Android tablets and smartphones.
• Strong organization and a careful eye for detail.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of railroad engineering, construction, design, and safety practices.
• Ability to build productive relationships with clients.
• Willingness to travel for long stretches of time.
• Readiness to complete federal, client, and company-mandated training.

Work Conditions

This is a field-based role. The work requires English fluency for speaking, reading, and writing, along with the ability to travel or drive long distances. Candidates must be able to stand for long periods, walk on uneven terrain, see near and far distances including color and peripheral vision, work in hot and cold weather, tolerate dusty and noisy surroundings, and lift up to 50 pounds.

Education

A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid vacation and paid holidays.
• 401(k) retirement plan.

Safety and Hiring Conditions

Safety is a non-negotiable priority in this role, and every task must be approached with that standard in mind. NRSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Final candidates must be able to pass pre-employment and recurring background screening, drug and alcohol testing, and classroom training. The company is a certified DBE/WBE firm specializing in railroad safety services and safety training across the continental United States, Canada, and Mexico.