PTRA Switchman

The PTRA currently has openings in our transportation department for railroad switchman.

Our transportation department is responsible for providing rail service at our five rail yards, to 3 member

lines (UPRR, BNSF, & CPKC), and to our 100+ customers. You are applying to work a job that works entirely

outdoors, in all elements, all hours of the day. This job will require you to walk on uneven surfaces, climb

ladders, hold onto the side of a moving rail car, communicate on the radio and by hand signal, identify

and distinguish colored light signals, and carry up to 50 pounds for up to a half-mile.

All jobs in the transportation department are seniority-based – employees performing this job must join

the applicable union. Wages and benefits are collectively bargained for on a national basis and

are contained in labor agreements. The rate of pay is currently $40.87/hour. Medical insurance begins

after the first month of employment. The employee’s portion of the premium is $308.49/month.

After the first year of employment, employees are eligible to participate in a 401k and will begin dental

and vision coverage. In accordance with the respective labor agreement, new employees will

very little compensated time off during their first year of employment.

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All new hire switchmen will be provided classroom and on-the-job training. The classroom training will

be 8 hours per day (7a-3p), five days per week (M-F). There will be a heavy emphasis on quizzes and tests.

Academic performance in the class will determine seniority order at the completion of the class.

On-the-job training will last approximately two weeks. Typically, this will be five consecutive working

days, with two consecutive off days. New employees will be provided a schedule of jobs to work, reporting

times, and locations. The schedule should have each employee working all three shifts at some point

during the training phase.

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After completion of training (up to 5 weeks in total), new hire employees will most likely be assigned

the extra board. The extra board is a group of employees who do not have a scheduled assignment

but must be available to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to fill any vacancies created by a

regularly scheduled employee being absent (vacation, illness, etc.). The extra board is responsible for

filling vacancies on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts. Extraboard employees will get at least a 90-minute call

before they are needed at work. The calling time for 1st shift is 430a-630a; 2nd shift is 1230p-230p; 3rd

shift is 830p-1030p. During these windows, extraboard employees must answer the phone and are

required to accept the job. In return for being available and working, extra board employees are

guaranteed a minimum of 88 hours of work per pay period (1/2 of the month).

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Reporting locations:

• North Yard: 7299 Clinton Dr, Houston, TX 77029

• Manchester Yard: 8934 Manchester St, Houston, TX 77012

• Pasadena Yard: 910 N. Witter St, Pasadena, TX 77506

• Main Office: 8934 Manchester St, Houston, TX 77012

We plan to conclude interviews before the end of April and begin training May 11, 2026.

To apply anytime, send your resume to swresume@ptra.com.

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Dynamic Operations Leader

Port Terminal Railroad Association (PTRA) is seeking a proven, safety-driven leader to join our Operations Management Team. This is a strategic role responsible for delivering disciplined, efficient rail operations that form the foundation for world-class safety, service, and cost control.  At PTRA, we recognize that operational excellence is not separate from safety - it enables it. Well-planned, well-executed operations create the structure, predictability, and accountability necessary to protect our employees, serve our customers, and sustain long-term performance.

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Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

·      Lead rail operations to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable performance

·      Establish operational discipline that supports a strong and sustainable safety culture

·      Drive adherence to operating standards and regulatory requirements

·      Provide hands-on leadership, coaching, and accountability for frontline teams

·      Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, safety, and service outcomes

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The Ideal Candidate:

·      Understands that operational efficiency and safety performance are interconnected

·      Brings demonstrated leadership experience in rail or complex transportation operations

·      Is familiar with 49 CFR Parts 217, 218, 219, 225, 236, 240, and 242

·      Can lead a transformation from traditional switching and hauling operation to Remote control operation

·      Leads by example, reinforcing accountability and high standards

·      Is data driven, decisive, and focused on measurable performance improvement

·      Communicates clearly and builds trust across teams

At PTRA, safety is our core value and operational excellence is how we sustain it. We are committed to delivering reliable service through disciplined execution and continuous improvement.