Construction Laborer
Northern Plains Railroad & Rail Services
Grand Forks, ND, USA
Posted on Jul 11, 2025
About the Role:
The Construction Laborer position performs a variety of tasks involving physical labor at project sites, utilizing hand and power tools and other equipment. Travel will be required for this position.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Ability to lift heavy objects and perform physical labor for extended periods.
- Basic understanding of construction safety practices.
- Previous experience in construction or a related field.
- Familiarity with hand and power tools.
- Valid Driver's license preferred. DOT medical certificate or ability to obtain one highly preferred.
- OSHA safety certification preferred.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in the preparation and cleanup of construction sites, including removing debris and hazardous materials.
- Load and unload construction materials and tools, ensuring they are stored safely and efficiently.
- Support skilled tradespeople by providing assistance in the construction of railways across the region.
- Follow safety protocols and guidelines to maintain a safe working environment for all team members.
- Perform routine maintenance on tools and equipment to ensure they are functioning properly.
Skills:
The required skills for this position include physical stamina and strength, which are essential for performing labor-intensive tasks on a daily basis. Attention to detail is crucial when following safety protocols and ensuring that materials are handled correctly. Communication skills are also important, as Laborers must effectively collaborate with team members and follow instructions from supervisors. Preferred skills, such as familiarity with tools and previous construction experience, enhance a Laborer's ability to contribute to various tasks and improve overall efficiency on the job site. By utilizing these skills, the Construction Laborer helps to create a safe and productive work environment that supports the successful completion of construction projects.
Interested? please see full job description below!
Company: Northern Plains Services, Inc.
Business Unit: Complete Track Works
Department: Construction
Travel: 90% +
Schedule: M-F 07:00-16:00, OT-Occasional weekend work, additional hours as necessary.
Summary:
The Construction Laborer position performs a variety of tasks involving physical labor at project sites, utilizing hand and power tools and other equipment. Travel will be required for this position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:
- Install and Repair railroad track at specified project sites or on railroad property.
- Utilize and become proficient with the use of hand and power tools specific to railroad repair, maintenance, and construction.
Competencies:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in railroad or related field.
- Experience with tools and machines, including their design, uses, repair and maintenance.
- Ability to follow verbally issued instructions.
- Ability to read and understand specific instructions and work specifications.
- Ability to understand and follow safety rules, policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Ability to work as a team, to jointly carry out assigned tasks.
- Travel required 90 + %.
- Will perform work on Northern Plains Railroad as directed.
Education and Training:
- GED or higher.
- Drivers License preferred
- Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPRS driver provisions.
- Ability to obtain a DOT medical card preferred.
Environmental:
- Continuous: Must be able to work outdoors in all extreme weather conditions. Work outdoors at project sites in harsh weather conditions including very hot and very cold weather. Exposure to dust. Uneven surfaces. Must wear appropriate safety equipment such as safety glasses, hard hats, safety footwear, and hearing protection as required by the company.
- Frequent: Noise
- Occasional: Vibration works at heights.
Physical Demands:
Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to meet the physical demands listed below.
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform on uneven or slippery surfaces, platforms, ladders, and equipment in all weather and temperature conditions. Most of the day could be spent standing on foot. Eye/hand coordination, hand/feet dexterity and grasping hand tools, materials & equipment is required. The employee is frequently required to perform manual labor & physical activities that require considerable use of the whole body, such as standing and lifting from various levels.
- Additional physical demands are listed in the chart below.
Requirements of Joining Our Team:
Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to:
- Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment.
- Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.
- Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.
- Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position.
We value transparency and the safety of our employees and customers, and these steps are essential in upholding our commitment to excellence.
LIFT 2 - Physical Demands Checklist
* Never (N) = Not at all * Rarely (R) = 1-5% * Occasionally (O) = 6-33% * Frequently (F) = 34-66% * Continuously (C) = 67-100%
TASKS | N 0% | R 1-5% | O 6-33% | F 34-66% | C 67-100% | Essential | Comments |
Sitting |
|
| X |
|
|
|
|
Standing |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Walking Distance: 600 ft |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Bending/Stooping: 2 min |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Sitting while twisting & reaching above shoulder level |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Crawling 10 ft |
| X |
|
|
|
|
|
Squatting: 10 reps |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Climbing Stairs: YMCA Step Test |
|
| X |
|
| X | NOT Pass or Fail |
Climbing Ladder: 30 rungs |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Balancing CTSIB-M test |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Reaching- Forward |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Reaching- Overhead arm’s length |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Reaching Low Level |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Static Push/Pull: Static push force 50# at shoulder level |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Push/Pull: 90# force at waist level, simulate throw a switch |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Shoveling |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Grip Strength min. 50# |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Gross & Fine coordination |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Lift / Carry |
|
|
|
|
|
| Floor to Waist & Bilateral Carry |
<10# |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
TASKS continued | N 0% | R 1-5% | O 6-33% | F 34-66% | C 67-100% | Essential | Comments |
11-24 # |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
25-34 # |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
35-50 # |
| X |
|
|
| X |
|
Lift 50 # Waist to Crown |
| X |
|
|
| X |
|
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Working around moving machinery, parts & equipment |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Working outside & extreme weather conditions |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Exposure to heat /humidity |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Exposure to cold |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Using power equipment |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Slippery surfaces |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Noise |
|
|
| X |
| X |
|
Works with others, alone, paperwork |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Dust, Smoke, Odors, Fumes, Grease, Oil |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Hearing |
|
|
|
| X | X | Hearing acuity-MEC/Medical Examiner's Certificate DOT vs FRA-DOT vs OSHA |
Speech |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Vision |
|
|
|
| X | X | Vision acuity-MEC/Medical Examiner's Certificate DOT vs FRA-DOT vs Standard |
Standard Vision |
|
|
|
| X | X | Standard Vision-Snellen/Ishihara/Perimetry |
Works at heights |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Electrical hazards |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Uneven surfaces |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
Inhalation Exposure |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Cramped quarters |
| X |
|
|
| X |
|
Hazardous Material |
| X |
|
|
| X |
|
Chemical Exposure |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
Vibration |
|
| X |
|
| X |
|
This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned. This Job Description may change at any time declared by Management.
NPRS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation. NPRS is a tradename used by Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR), Northern Plains Services, Inc. (NPS), and All Rail, Inc. (All Rail).
