Employer: Verde Canyon Railroad LC Location: Clarkdale, AZ Pay: Not listed on posting (see link for details) Type: Full-time — In-person / outdoor track maintenance
What You’ll Do
Perform routine maintenance, inspections, and repairs on railroad track, ties, switches, and related infrastructure.
Operate hand and power tools; assist with heavy equipment (tampers, loaders, excavators) as directed.
Lift, carry, and position rails, ties, and materials; perform strenuous manual labor safely.
Follow safety procedures and use PPE; maintain accurate maintenance and safety records.
Work varied schedules as required by operations (may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime).
Why It Stands Out
Hands-on field role on a scenic regional railroad — good for people who prefer outdoor, physical work over a desk job.
Opportunities to gain railroad-specific skills (track maintenance, heavy-equipment assistance, potential welding/installation exposure).
Role may include travel or temporary relocation for projects — useful experience for a career in rail construction/maintenance.
Potential Trade-offs
Physically demanding work in all weather conditions; must be comfortable with heavy lifting and long days outdoors.
Schedule variability and potential overtime or emergency call-outs required by train operations.
Must pass pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening.
Qualifications / Requirements
High school diploma or GED (or equivalent).
Valid CDL or willingness to obtain one prior to onboarding is required/preferred.
Ability to lift regularly up to 50 lbs (sometimes more) and perform physically strenuous tasks.
Reliable transportation, punctual attendance, and ability to work safely on uneven terrain.
Preferred: prior track maintenance, construction, heavy-equipment, or welding experience.
Perks / Benefits
Work outdoors with a team on meaningful rail infrastructure projects.
Potential to build transferable skills for rail and heavy-civil careers.
(See posting for any employer-specific benefits and pay details.)
Here is the link to view more job details or apply.
Would You Take This Job? — How do you feel about physical, outdoor track work and a schedule that can include nights, weekends, and overtime?
Did a season on a shortline crew — get steel-toe boots with metatarsal guards and plan electrolytes; “ballast eats laces,” and a dropped tie plate once bounced off my guards instead of my toes. Solid gig if the pay matches the Clarkdale heat; brush up on heat stress basics: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/. Did they list OT or per diem?
If you’ll be on “hand and power tools” all day, especially the gas impact on joint bars, anti‑vibration gloves plus foam plugs under muffs saved me from numb hands and ringing ears. In Clarkdale heat, I’d also ask @VerdeCanyonRailroad about start times and OT since pay’s not listed — early shifts make a big difference.
I’d take it, but ask @VerdeCanyonRailroad about on‑call nights first. One thing that saved me: trail gaiters over steel‑toes; they keep ballast out and stop your cuffs from getting chewed way better than tape. If they don’t list them in PPE, bring your own.
Foam‑sealed safety glasses and thin strap-on knee pads saved me during “inspections and repairs” — ballast dust and kneeling on plates will make you miserable otherwise. I’d take it, but confirm they do Roadway Worker Protection training right away so you’re not stuck just flagging for weeks.