General Laborer- Thermite Welder Helper

Position Summary The Railroad Thermite Welder Helper assists the Thermite Welder and welding crew with the preparation, setup, and completion of thermite rail welding operations. This position supports safe and efficient rail welding activities while following company, railroad, OSHA, and job-site safety requirements. Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Assist the Thermite Welder with thermite welding operations on railroad track. * Prepare the work area, tools, equipment, rail ends, and materials for welding. * Assist with rail cutting, grinding, alignment, and preparation as directed. * Set up and maintain welding equipment, molds, crucibles, preheating equipment, and other necessary tools. * Assist with positioning and securing rail and welding components. * Handle thermite welding materials according to established safety procedures. * Assist with removing slag and excess weld material after the weld has cooled. * Perform grinding and finishing of completed rail welds under direction of the Welder. * Load, unload, transport, and organize tools, equipment, and materials. * Maintain a clean and organized work area. * Inspect tools and equipment before use and report damaged or defective equipment. * Follow railroad track protection procedures and all applicable safety rules. * Wear and properly maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE). * Assist with general railroad construction and track maintenance activities as needed. * Work safely around moving trains, heavy equipment, vehicles, and other job-site hazards. * Perform other duties as assigned by the Thermite Welder, Foreman, or Supervisor. Qualifications * Previous railroad, construction, welding, or heavy-equipment experience preferred but not required. * Willingness to learn thermite rail welding procedures and techniques. * Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. * Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, bending, kneeling, standing, and walking for extended periods. * Ability to work safely around railroad tracks and heavy equipment. * Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety. * Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. * Reliable attendance and willingness to travel and work varying schedules, including nights, weekends, and overtime when required. * Valid driver's license preferred. Physical Requirements * Ability to lift and carry tools, equipment, and materials weighing up to approximately 50 pounds. * Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, climb, and work in awkward positions. * Ability to work around heat, sparks, smoke, noise, dust, and other conditions associated with railroad welding. * Ability to wear required PPE, including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, high-visibility clothing, and appropriate welding/heat protection. Safety Responsibilities The Thermite Welder Helper is expected to follow all company safety policies, railroad rules, OSHA requirements, job-site procedures, and instructions from the designated supervisor. Safety is a primary responsibility of this position, and employees are expected to immediately report unsafe conditions, injuries, incidents, or damaged equipment. Work Environment Work is primarily performed outdoors on or around active railroad tracks and construction sites. The position may require extensive travel, irregular hours, overnight work, weekends, holidays, and overtime depending on project requirements. Job Type: Full-time Pay: From $18.00 per hour Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance Application Question(s): * Do you have a clean background in the last 7 years? If not, please explain. License/Certification: * Driver's License (Required) Willingness to travel: * 100% (Required) Work Location: Hybrid remote in Roanoke, VA 24013