Careers

Careers

Join our railroad family

Care

Competitive Benefits

400+

Miles of track

150+

Employees

60 Years

Family Owned & Operated

VRS Employment Opportunities

Vermont Rail System has approximately 150 employees in various roles at locations in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York.
Currently, we are focusing our efforts to fill openings in our:

  • Train Service
  • Maintenance of Way
  • Flagging
  • Mechanical Department
  • Signal Maintainer

If you have an interest in working for VRS please fill out our application form below.

We have included some sample job descriptions below, please note that not all positions are open at this time.

Employee Benefits

  • One big railroad family with generations of fun (Company Picnic, Holiday Party, Train Rides & Swag)
  • Company Sponsored Life Insurance
  • Company Sponsored Health Insurance (dental covered)
  • Employer HSA Contributions up to $900/year single plan and $1,800/year family plan
  • Wellness Incentives up to $250/year
  • Safety Incentives up to $1000/year
  • 401K
  • Paid time off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Generous Bonus’
  • Company Supplemented PPE

Job Descriptions

Signal Maintainer

Job Summary:Signal Maintainers are responsible for the construction, installation, repair, maintenance, testing
and inspection of railroad signal systems. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, technical experience or training preferred, be able to perform work on uneven surfaces, easily lift seventy-five pounds, work around heavy and moving machinery, bend, lift, walk, stand and sit for extended periods of time. VTR operations are 365 days a year. Candidates may be required to work nights, holidays and weekends. The environment and performance of duties require working in adverse weather conditions. This is a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) covered position subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Essential Functions:

  • Perform advanced, quality railroad signal maintenance work in accordance with accepted professional practices, including the general code of operating rules, to ensure optimum performance of railroad signal systems and public and personal safety.
  • Respond to trouble calls reported on railroad crossing failures.
  • Evaluate patterns of railroad signal system failures and site engineering activities. Make appropriate corrections and/or recommend appropriate system improvements in a manner
    that optimizes available resources.
  • Comply with company policy and Federal rules and regulations governing work activities
    including those issued by Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
  • Complete required documentation including work reports and hours of service logs in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Getting information – observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Communicating with supervisors, peers, or subordinates – providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in
    person.
  • Maintain awareness of customers’ requirements. Notify Signal Supervisor, Lead Maintainer or Manager of present and future concerns of our customers.
  • Work together to promote teamwork with fellow Signal Maintainers, construction crews and coworkers by communicating mutual concerns and providing appropriate relief.
  • Perform other related duties and overtime as required.
  • Encourage and perpetuate a culture of teamwork, safety and respect for every employee.

Basic Qualifications:

  • 18 years of age or older.
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Able to read, write, and communicate (speak, hear, and understand) English.
  • Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including inclement and extreme temperatures.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record.
  • Strict adherence to corporate values.
  • Have self-motivation, organization, trouble-shooting and planning skills.
  • Show initiative and able to work effectively with little direction.
  • Positively adapt to changes in responsibilities when changes occur.
  • Work effectively with others including general public, customers, safety officials and coworkers.
  • Ability to work adverse shifts if necessary.
  • Comply with all company and FRA safety procedures, policies, and rules, including wearing required safety equipment.
  • Ability to perform under stress when confronted with critical, emergency, unusual or dangerous situations or situations in which sustained attention is a make or break aspect of the job.

The statements stated in this job description reflect the general details as necessary to describe the basic function, essential job duties/responsibilities, and job requirements typically required, and should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of the job.
Individuals may perform other duties as assigned; including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Dispatcher

Location: Rutland

Dispatcher Job Description:

  • Safety conscious and capable of fostering safe work practices that will contribute to the achievement of company safety goals.
  • Calls Trains
  • Administers efficient crew utilization and timely hours of service relief
  • Directs and coordinates train traffic and on-line work projects via Track Warrant Control, ensuring compliance with railroad operating rules
  • Develops and maintains accurate records
  • Exceeds customer expectations whenever possible
  • Available to work nights, weekends, holidays and various shifts without assigned days off.  Must be available to report to work with a two-hour notice
  • Strong aptitude for utilizing information systems and ability to work in a fast paced environment with changing priorities.
  • Qualified on safety rules, GCOR, Hazmat
  • Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate by radio or phone
  • Active listener – gives full attention to what others are saying, takes time to understand the points being made and asks relative and appropriate questions
  • Ability to identify and distinguish colors displayed on monitors, switch indicator lights and other safety sensitive indicators
  • Ability to prioritize, organize and accomplish tasks using sound forethought and judgment
  • Ability to use logic and reason to identify approaches or determine solutions to problem solving
  • Attentive to detail with the ability to maintain composure during stressful situations
  • Quick learner with the ability to grasp and apply key training concepts
  • Proficient in Word and Excel with the ability to learn railroad specific software programs

 

The statements stated in this job description reflect the general details as necessary to describe the basic function, essential job duties/responsibilities, and job requirements typically required, and should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of the job. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned; including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Although the use of Marijuana and other Cannabis Products are legal in the State of Vermont, VRS is federally regulated by the Federal Rail Administration, therefore all potential employees are required to pass a drug test before employment and will be subject to random drug testing throughout employment if hired.

 

Flagger

Essential Functions:

  • Perform general physical activities – perform physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting heavy objects (parts, etc.), bending, balancing, walking, stooping, stretching and handling of materials.
  • Stand for long periods of time.
  • Getting information – observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Communicating with supervisors, peers, or subordinates – providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Monitor processes, materials, or surroundings – monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Work in inclement weather.
  • Ability to work adverse shifts if necessary.
  • Use of Railroad radios

Basic Qualifications:

  • 18 year of age or older.
  • Strict adherence to corporate values.
  • Must be able to read, write, comprehend, and communicate (speak, hear, and understand) English.
  • Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including inclement and extreme temperatures.
  • Must be able to work on and around heavy equipment.
  • Must be able to follow written and oral directions.
  • Comply with all company and FRA safety procedures, policies, and rules, including wearing required safety equipment.

Physical and Mental Demands:

  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
  • Must be able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, kneel, stretch, balance, and sit for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to operate tools and equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Must be able to use hands to hold, grasp, turn or pull.
  • Must be able to reach over shoulder level.
  • Must be able to work with loud noises, chemicals, fumes, dirt, and dust.
  • Must be able to use phone and radios.
  • Must be able to perform heavy manual labor.

The statements stated in this job description reflect the general details as necessary to describe the basic function, essential job duties/responsibilities, and job requirements typically required, and should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of the job. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned; including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Although the use of Marijuana and other Cannabis Products are legal in the State of Vermont, VRS is federally regulated by the Federal Rail Administration, therefore all potential employees are required to pass a drug test before employment and will be subject to random drug testing throughout employment if hired.

 

Train Crew/ Operations

Job Description:

  • Operates track switches, couples and uncouples cars and performs other duties associated with the movement of trains, cars and engines in rail yards and on the main railroad.

Required skills:

  • Understand oral communications
  • Reads and understands the book of rules, timetables, bulletins, train orders, waybills, placards, safety instructions and other written or printed material
  • Make oneself understood orally
  • Recognize sounds/changes in sounds
  • Recognize colors
  • Judge speed and/or distance of moving objects/parts
  • Understand visual displays
  • Take action and/or make decisions affecting security and well being of others
  • Manually operate track switches (visually checks switch condition and direction) to change the direction of the engine or cars within yard limits or on the main railroad; may apply or release hand brakes to switch or perform other duties.
  • Climbing and balancing
  • Be able to lift, push and pull various weights
  • Be able to sit, stand and climb
  • Judge condition or status of objects/parts
  • Exercise physical strength and/or endurance
  • Work in all types of weather

The statements stated in this job description reflect the general details as necessary to describe the basic function, essential job duties/responsibilities, and job requirements typically required, and should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of the job. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned; including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Although the use of Marijuana and other Cannabis Products are legal in the State of Vermont, VRS is federally regulated by the Federal Rail Administration, therefore all potential employees are required to pass a drug test before employment and will be subject to random drug testing throughout employment if hired.

Mechanical

Locomotive, Freight Car & MOW Mechanics Job Description:

  • Understand mechanical operations of machinery
  • Troubleshoot, repair and maintain heavy off-track equipment and roadway machinery
  • Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
  • Troubleshoot and perform heavy repairs to all types of equipment components including gas and diesel engines, transmissions and differentials, hydraulic pumps, motors, cylinders, valves, various workheads, booms, electrical systems and conveyor belt systems
  • Solve work related problems, make decisions, and provide instructions
  • Getting information – observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources requiring close attention to detail
  • Communicating with supervisors, peers, or subordinates – providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person requiring close attention to detail
  • Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels

Basic Qualifications:

  • 18 year of age or older
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Strict adherence to corporate values
  • Must be able to read, write, comprehend, and communicate (speak, hear, and understand) English
  • Must be able to follow written and oral directions
  • Communication Skills (provide clear instructions/directions)
  • Reasoning Skills (problem solving and troubleshooting skills)
  • Read and understand schematic drawings
  • Basic knowledge of hydraulic systems, electrical and electronic systems, and pneumatic systems as it pertains to the operation and maintenance of roadway machinery
  • Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including inclement and extreme temperatures
  • Must be able to work on and around heavy equipment
  • Comply with all company and FRA safety procedures, policies, and rules, including wearing required safety equipment

Physical and Mental Demands:

  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 75 pounds occasionally and up to 100 lbs. on a rare basis
  • Must be able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, crouch, climb, kneel, stretch, balance, and sit for extended periods of time
  • Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time
  • Must be able to operate tools and equipment safely and efficiently
  • Must be able to use hands to hold, grasp, turn or pull
  • Must be able to reach over shoulder level
  • Must be able to work with loud noises, chemicals, fumes, dirt, and dust
  • Must be able to use phone and radios
  • Must be able to perform heavy manual labor

Safety Commitment:

Safety is a very important part of this company and its operations.  Safety is an individual responsibility as well as a team effort to prevent accidents and injuries.  We work diligently to ensure the safety of our employees, customers and general public. 

The statements stated in this job description reflect the general details as necessary to describe the basic function, essential job duties/responsibilities, and job requirements typically required, and should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of the job. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned; including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Although the use of Marijuana and other Cannabis Products are legal in the State of Vermont, VRS is federally regulated by the Federal Rail Administration, therefore all potential employees are required to pass a drug test before employment and will be subject to random drug testing throughout employment if hired.

Maintenance of Way

MOW Job Description:

  • Perform general physical activities
  • Perform physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting heavy objects (parts, etc.), bending, balancing, walking, stooping, stretching and handling of materials
  • Stand for long periods of time
  • Getting information – observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources
  • Communicating with supervisors, peers, or subordinates – providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person
  • Monitor processes, materials, or surroundings – monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems
  • Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts
  • Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws
  • Operate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together
  • Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels
  • Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment
  • Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills
  • Raise rails, using manual/hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement
  • Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks.
  • Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes
  • Operate single – or multiple – head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties
  • Operate manual spike puller for spike removal
  • Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.
  • Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders
  • Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported
  • Operate single – or multiple – head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails
  • Operate spiking mauls for manual installation of spikes
  • Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders
  • Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specification
  • Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks
  • Operate large machinery such as Tampers, Ballast Regulators, Cranes, Brush Cutters, etc.
  • Work in inclement weather
  • Ability to work adverse shifts if necessary

The statements stated in this job description reflect the general details as necessary to describe the basic function, essential job duties/responsibilities, and job requirements typically required, and should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of the job. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned; including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Although the use of Marijuana and other Cannabis Products are legal in the State of Vermont, VRS is federally regulated by the Federal Rail Administration, therefore all potential employees are required to pass a drug test before employment and will be subject to random drug testing throughout employment if hired.

Passenger Services

Location: Burlington & Chester, VT

Passenger Representative Duties:

  • Handling passengers safely and respectfully
  • Helping passengers with boarding and disembarking
  • Communicating with train crew and other passenger representatives
  • Helping seat passengers
  • Opening and closing equipment
  • Taking count and keeping reports of passengers on board each train
  • Handling and organizing bus groups
  • Selling merchandise on or off the train
  • Taking daily instruction from supervisory personnel
  • Miscellaneous duties regarding logistics inside of the trains
  • Making announcements, giving instructions and narrating over a public address system
  • Daily cleaning tasks
  • Weekend work will be required
  • Some traveling will be required
  • Preparing equipment for train events

Customer Service Duties:

  • Handling customers
  • Ticket sales and returns
  • Entering data into ticket software
  • Answering phones
  • Responding to emails and website inquiries
  • Entering data and creating reports for management
  • Handling group sales
  • Handling charter requests
  • Selling merchandise
  • Attend events and special functions
  • Weekend work will be required
  • Taking daily instruction from supervisory personnel
  • Some traveling may be required

Skills, Knowledge, and Mental Requirements:

  • Communicate in English clearly and effectively verbally and in writing
  • Flexible and willing to accept change in a timely manner
  • Ability to work in a team-oriented environment
  • Ability to work independently in a time sensitive environment
  • Must possess sound decision-making skills and be able to multitask while working in an environment of stress with specific deadlines
  • Detail oriented, professional attitude, reliable
  • Possess strong organizational and time management skills
  • Strong problem-solving skills, documentation skills, research and resolution skills and data analysis skills
  • Ability to interact with employees and customers in a professional manner
  • Ability to keep high stress/difficult passengers under control while remaining calm and professional
  • Experience utilizing Microsoft Office – particularly Excel and Word
  • Experience with ticket sales
  • Data entry skills
  • Maintain a high level of accuracy in all tasks
  • Confidentiality
  • Thoroughness
  • General math skills
  • General writing and grammar skills
  • Creativity
  • Strong work ethic

Physical Requirements:

  • Constant (67-100%) talking and hearing either on the telephone or in person
  • Frequent (50-100%) viewing a computer and other types of close visual work
  • Occasional (10-25%) lifting over head or below waist up to 25 lbs.
  • Operate handicap lift. Open and close vestibule doors. Climbing on and off equipment.

The statements stated in this job description reflect the general details as necessary to describe the basic function, essential job duties/responsibilities, and job requirements typically required, and should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of the job. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned; including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Although the use of Marijuana and other Cannabis Products are legal in the State of Vermont, VRS is federally regulated by the Federal Rail Administration, therefore all potential employees are required to pass a drug test before employment and will be subject to random drug testing throughout employment if hired.

Application for Employment

ALL POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES ARE EVALUATED WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, GENDER, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, GENDER IDENTITY, ANCESTRY, PLACE OF BIRTH, MARITAL, SEXUAL PREFERENCE OR VETERAN STATUS, THE PRESENCE OF A NON-JOB RELATED HANDICAP OR ANY OTHER LEGALLY PROTECTED STATUS.

Name(Required)
Address(Required)
Are you able to prove that you are authorized to work in the U.S. without any restrictions?(Required)
Although the use of Marijuana and other Cannabis Products are legal in the State of Vermont, VRS is federally regulated by the Federal Rail Administration, therefore all potential employees are required to pass a drug test before employment and will be subject to random drug testing throughout employment if hired. Do you understand and consent that if selected for employment you will be required to submit to, and pass, a drug screening test?(Required)
Do you understand and consent that if you are being considered for employment, VRS will need to obtain your COMPLETE Motor Vehicle Driving Record(s) regardless of state and that you may not be hired as a result of the contents of that record?(Required)
Are you able to lift heavy objects weighing over 75 lbs without reasonable accommodation?(Required)

Employment History

Max. file size: 50 MB.
Please attach your resume with at least three previous employment experiences listed or complete work history fields below
Address

Address

Address

Acknowledgment and Authorization

MM slash DD slash YYYY
Please sign using your initials

Equal Employment Opportunity

Vermont Rail System Companies provide equal employment opportunities in recruitment, hiring, assignment, advancement, compensation, and retention to all candidates on the basis of their qualifications, abilities, and performance, without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, place of birth, or age and to qualified individuals with disabilities.

***Although the use of Marijuana and other Cannabis Products is legal in the State of Vermont, the VRS is Federally Regulated by the Federal Rail Administration, therefore all potential employees are required to pass a drug test before employment and will be subject to random drug testing throughout employment if hired.***

Insurance Coverage

This link leads to the machine-readable files that are made available in response to the federal Transparency in Coverage Rule and includes negotiated service rates and out-of-network allowed amounts between health plans and healthcare providers. The machine readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to more easily access and analyze data.

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