Welder
Northern Plains Railroad & Rail Services
Grand Forks, ND, USA
Posted on Mar 13, 2026
All applications are due by Friday, March 13 for review.
Summary
The Welder plays a key role in building and repairing railroad track in a heavy‑construction environment, supporting welding operations and general track maintenance. This position requires overnight travel, hands‑on field work, and the ability to work safely in all weather conditions. As part of the team, the Welder ensures high‑quality weld preparation, equipment readiness, and reliable support for track construction and restoration.
Qualifications
GED or higher
Valid driver’s license and meet NPRS insurability requirements required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DOT Medical Certificate (Med Card).
Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and hydraulic equipment.
Duties
Assist in dismantling track, preparing welds, setting molds, and removing weld imperfections using grinders and shears.
Perform ground‑level welding tasks, operate cutting and preheating equipment, and support general railroad work such as rail cutting, measuring, and replacement.
Ensure tools and machinery are fueled, loaded, and ready; travel in the welding truck to job sites (90% travel).
Collaborate with inspectors and managers to plan weekly work and follow all safety rules while operating equipment.
Skills
This role requires strong physical capability, including frequent standing, lifting, bending, and working on uneven surfaces in extreme weather. Successful candidates demonstrate reliability, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work safely around moving equipment, noise, dust, and vibration. Proficiency with welding processes, cutting equipment, and basic track‑work tasks such as spiking, anchoring, grinding, and tamping is essential.
Interested? Please see the full job description below.
Company: Northern Plains Service, Inc.
Business Unit: Complete Track Works
Department: Maintenance & Repair
Travel: 90% required
Schedule: Varies. M-F 07:00-16:00, OT, Occasional weekend work, additional hours as necessary.
Summary:
The Welder builds and repairs railroad tracks in a heavy construction environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:
- Dismantling tracks with appropriate tools and setting up molds to weld portions of track together. Removing imperfections of weld using grinders and sheers.
- Responsible for stationary ground duties and weld preparation work.
- Primarily responsible for staying on the ground and completing welding tasks.
- Ensures that all the proper tools/ machinery is fueled and nearby. Load and unload the truck (with a hydraulic crane)
- Work with Track Inspector, Construction Manager and Regional Manager to plan weekly.
- Travel in Welding truck to designated area. (90% Travel)
- Responsible for general railroad work, such as rail cutting, rail measuring, rail removals, rail replacement, switch configuration, track construction, and restoration as it pertains to welding process.
- Responsible for the use of Oxygen/propane cutting and preheating processes.
- Responsible for understanding and being proficient in the Thermite Welding Processes.
- Responsible for understanding and being proficient at stick and wire feed welding as it relates to railroad tracks (switch points and frogs)
- Operates equipment per safety policies, rules, & regulations and detects faulty operation of equipment or defective materials and notifies supervisors.
- Basic track work duties; spiking, anchoring, wrenching, grinding, and tamping.
Competencies:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Good communication skills and attention to detail.
- Knowledge of and skills in using hand tools, power tools, and hydraulic equipment.
- Be knowledgeable and proficient in the use of oxygen/propane cutting and preheating equipment.
- Be knowledgeable and be proficient in the Thermite Welding Processes.
- Be knowledgeable of or able to learn, understanding and be proficient at stick and wire feed welding as it relates to railroad tracks (switch points and frogs)
- Must wear all the safety equipment required by NPRS while performing duties.
- Drive welding trucks to different job sites.
Physical Demands:
NPRC may make reasonable accommodation 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.
Environmental:
- Continuous: wear appropriate safety PPE/equipment.
- Frequent: Exposed to vibration, noise, extreme temperatures, work indoors and outdoors - exposed to heat and cold, working on uneven surfaces, exposed to dust & smoke and various metal particles with breathing protection is required.
- Occasional: Works at heights.
Education and Training:
- GED or higher.
- Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPRS driver provisions.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Ability to obtain a DOT medical card preferred.
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 |
|
TASKS continued | N 0% | R 1-5% | O 6-33% | F 34-66% | C 67-100% | Essential | Comments |
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 & 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 |
|
TASKS continued | N 0% | R 1-5% | O 6-33% | F 34-66% | C 67-100% | Essential | Comments |
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).
