Tamper Operator Surfacing Crew
Northern Plains Railroad & Rail Services
Grand Forks, ND, USA
Posted on Sep 13, 2025
🚧 Now Hiring: Tamper Operator
📍 Company: Northern Plains Service, Inc.
🛠️ Business Unit: Complete Track Works
🚚 Travel: 90%+ outside region
🗓️ Schedule: M–F 7:00 AM–3:30 PM (OT, some weekends required)
Northern Plains Service, Inc. is looking for an experienced Tamper Operator to join our high-performing construction crew. If you're a skilled heavy equipment operator who thrives in the field, this is your chance to be part of a team that builds and maintains the backbone of North American railroads.
What You’ll Do:
Operate production tampers and other on-track/off-track equipment
Ensure proper alignment, surfacing, and ballast distribution
Perform field diagnostics and repairs (mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical)
Lead and support safe, efficient surfacing operations
Assist with general track construction and maintenance tasks
Work independently in remote locations with minimal supervision
✅ What We’re Looking For:
3+ years’ experience with tampers or heavy construction equipment
Strong troubleshooting & mechanical skills
Ability to read plans, follow safety rules, and meet FRA standards
Comfortable working in all weather and rugged environments
CDL preferred
Must pass drug test, physical exam, background check
💥 What We Offer:
Day 1 benefits
Competitive pay
401(k) with company matching
Overtime opportunities
All travel expenses covered while on the road
Career growth in a fast-growing industry
🔎 Ready to Build Something That Lasts?
Apply now and become part of a team that keeps America on track.
please see full job description below
Company: Northern Plains Service, Inc.
Business Unit: Complete Track Works
Department: Construction
Travel: 90 % or more outside region.
Schedule: M-F 07:00-15:30 with OT, Occasional weekends, additional hours as necessary.
Summary:
The Tamper Operator’s position is to perform the work that the machine is designed for as a member of the surfacing crew. The Tamper Operator will Operate a variety of equipment within NPRS to move, load, or unload various ballast & railroad materials and install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:
- Installs equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures.
- Operates On-track equipment to rehabilitate, constructs, or install railroad track.
- Operates construction equipment to move, load, or unload material.
- Operates equipment in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with governing regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Coordinates machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
- Manage the distribution of ballast, whether by roto dump, front end loader, or by using rail car.
- Ability to run a tamper or direct tamper operator to establish work requirements and meet precise job specifications.
- Must be able to trouble shoot and/or diagnose machine problems to ensure steady production in the field.
- Perform maintenance and make repairs on machine and related equipment as necessary.
- Perform minor mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic repairs in the field and/or the shop.
- Order parts on their own and communicate with the mechanic.
- Must be able to work alone in remote locations independently and with minimum supervision.
- Communicate any safety or mechanical issues to supervisor.
- Inspect and recognize any deviation from FRA track safety standards part 213.
- Responsible for the safe completion and inspection of assigned task.
- Meet job production objectives safely, and within budget, with respect to detail and quality.
- Must fill out, maintain, and produce accurate and up-to-date production reports.
- Assist in the restoration, renewal, maintenance, and new construction of track structures as needed.
- Works with Truck drivers loads and offloads equipment as it arrives and exits project site.
- Takes action to avoid potential hazards and obstructions, such as utilities, other equipment, other workers, structural objects, and through traffic.
- Perform manual labor consisting of crouching, bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and lifting while working at ground level.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Will perform work on Northern Plains Railroad as directed.
Competencies:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Ability to operate a production tamper and various types of on-track and off track equipment.
- Track record of successful project management.
- Basic Internet and computer skills.
- Successful management of surfacing projects.
- Experience using hand tools, power tools and hydraulic equipment.
- Knowledge of and ability to adhere to safety requirements and procedures.
- Ability to work on their own in remote locations independently.
- Willingness to wear the proper and required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as hard hat, steel toed boots, eye and hearing protection and face shields and other PPE required for specific tasks.
- The ability to communicate in a professional manner with owners, owner’s representatives, customers, and direct supervisor.
- Basic internet, computer and/or other handheld device skills needed for payroll reports, equipment reports, safety and equipment reports, and email correspondence.
Physical Demands:
Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform 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.
- May require travel to various facilities and provide additional services.
Environmental:
- Continuous: Must wear appropriate safety equipment such as safety glasses, hard hats, safety footwear, and hearing protection as required by the company. Exposed to noise.
- Frequent: Exposure to smoke, dust, fumes, odors, grease & oil. Works outdoors in hot and cold temperatures and in all extreme weather conditions. Exposed to vibration. Works with moving machinery and mechanical parts, works at heights.
- Occasional: Exposure to electrical hazards, works in cramped quarters, works inside, chemicals, stand on concrete, shift work, walks on uneven or slippery surface, wet conditions, works with others & alone, paperwork.
- Rare: Works with toxic materials.
Education and Training:
- GED or High School Diploma.
- 3+ Years’ experience operating a production tamper or heavy construction equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
- CDL Required
- Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPRS driver provisions.
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:
1. Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment.
2. Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.
3. Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.
4. 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 |
|
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 & in extreme weather conditions |
|
|
|
| X | X |
|
TASKS continued | N 0% | R 1-5% | O 6-33% | F 34-66% | C 67-100% | Essential | Comments |
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).
NPRS is a tradename used by Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR) and Northern Plains Services, Inc. (NPS), and All Rail, Inc. (All Rail), who have adopted the policies herein as their own.
