hero

Yard Coordinator

Northern Plains Railroad & Rail Services

Northern Plains Railroad & Rail Services

Grand Forks, ND, USA
Posted on Dec 3, 2025

Company: Northern Plains Services, Inc.

Business Unit: Complete Track Works

Department: Transportation shop

Travel: less than 10% as needed to support departments’ inventory needs.

Schedule: M-F 07:00-16:00, OT-Occasional weekend work, additional hours as necessary.

Summary:

The Yard Coordinator is responsible for managing all inventory operations within the Complete Track Works department. This includes receiving and tracking materials, performing inventory adjustments, processing billing, and ensuring accurate and efficient support for all track construction material needs. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of rail materials, be capable of operating a skid steer, and demonstrate proficiency with common computer systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:

  • Maintain an organized and safe material yard, ensuring proper storage and labeling of all materials.
  • Receive materials from various vendors, verifying quantities, descriptions, and condition upon delivery.
  • Enter received materials into the inventory management system, ensuring accuracy and resolving any discrepancies or variances.
  • Track and monitor material usage, transfers, and returns across projects to maintain up-to-date inventory levels.
  • Perform regular cycle counts and reconcile inventory records with physical counts.
  • Coordinate material orders, pickups, and deliveries with field crews and vendors as needed.
  • Assist with billing and documentation related to material usage, transfers, and adjustments.
  • Operate equipment such as skid steers, forklifts, and company vehicles safely and efficiently to move or load materials.
  • Maintain accurate and organized records of inventory transactions, material receipts, and adjustments.
  • Collaborate with project managers, supervisors, and accounting staff to ensure timely and accurate material support for all track construction projects.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvement related to inventory control and yard operations.
  • Adhere to all company safety policies and regulatory requirements while performing daily duties.

Competencies:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in receiving, tracking, and recording materials and inventory transactions.
  • Organization: Maintains a clean, efficient, and well-structured yard and inventory system.
  • Technical Proficiency: Demonstrates proficiency with inventory management software, Microsoft Office, and other common computer platforms.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Familiar with—or able to learn—operation of heavy equipment such as skid steers, front loaders, and forklifts.
  • Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves inventory discrepancies and logistical challenges efficiently.
  • Communication: Effectively communicates with supervisors, field crews, vendors, and accounting personnel.
  • Time Management: Prioritizes multiple tasks and meets deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
  • Teamwork: Works collaboratively with operations, maintenance, and construction teams to meet project material needs.
  • Accountability: Takes ownership of work quality, accuracy, and safety compliance.
  • Adaptability: Adjusts to changing priorities, schedules, and work environments while maintaining accuracy and productivity.
  • Safety Awareness: Follows all company and regulatory safety guidelines when handling materials and operating equipment.

Education and Training:

  • GED or higher.
  • Driver’s License required, CDL preferred
  • Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPRS driver provisions.
  • Experience with inventory practices, rail material preferred
  • Ability to learn to operate a skid steer required

Environmental:

  • Frequent: 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.
  • Frequent: Computer work in a yard office.
  • 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).