Flagger, Transportation, Railroad

IEA Field Services is looking for flaggers to join our team. The flagger provides essential railroad safety support during construction and maintenance activities in work zones near or on active rail corridors. This role is responsible for supporting and maintaining on-track safety protections in strict accordance with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) operating rules. The Flagger communicates with train crews, dispatchers, and work crews to prevent accidents and maintain compliance with railroad safety rules and applicable regulations.

The position requires strong situational awareness, clear communication, and the ability to perform effectively in high-risk environments where worker safety and operational continuity depend on precise execution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor and remove on-track safety measures, including working limits, fouling protection, and positive train control compliance zones.
• Serve as support to Roadway Worker In Charge (RWIC) coordinating directly with construction and maintenance personnel.
• Attend and participate in daily job safety briefings with all on-site personnel to ensure full understanding of protection methods, fouling limits, emergency procedures, and individual responsibilities.
• Maintain continuous surveillance of the work zone to verify compliance with safety rules, identify potential fouling risks, and confirm that personnel and equipment are clear before authorizing train passage.
• Ability to safely install, maintain, and remove physical protection devices—including signs, flags, derails, lockout devices, and other safety equipment (typically weighing 15–90 lbs.)—multiple times per shift while working across uneven terrain and in varying weather conditions.
• Communicate clearly and professionally using standard railroad protocol; ensure accurate, timely, and authoritative transmissions that directly influence train operations.
• Accurately document safety-related activities, compliance verifications, incidents, and close calls in accordance with company and regulatory standards.
• Travel to assigned project sites with potential short-notice mobilization; work extended hours, nights, weekends, and in all weather conditions as required by project demands.

Minimum Requirements and

Qualifications:

• Education:
  
  High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience:
  
  At least 2 years of relevant experience in railroad or transit operations, preferably in maintenance of way (MOW), flagging, or safety roles with a Class 1 railroad, regional short line, transit system (e.g., DART or similar), state DOT rail division, railroad supplier, contractor, or consultant.

Certification and Training:

• Successful completion of DART-specific Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) training or Light Railway Worker Protection Program (LRWPP), including demonstrated proficiency in on-track safety rules, working limits establishment, train approach warnings, and territory-specific procedures.
• Evidence of initial and periodic (annual) recertification, including recorded examinations and demonstrated proficiency in supervised on-track safety scenarios.

Licenses and Clearances:

• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background checks.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of rail operating rules, and physical characteristics of DART rail territories.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Excellent communication skills, including proficiency in radio protocols, job briefings, and electronic reporting tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, mobile apps for safety tracking).
• Physical capability to perform demanding tasks, such as walking on uneven ballast, lifting up to 50 lbs., and working in extreme weather conditions for extended periods.
• Ability to work independently or in teams, remain alert during long shifts, and handle high-stress situations effectively.
• Willingness to travel within the Dallas/Fort Worth area and other locations.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including on-call availability.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Additional certifications, such as FRA-qualified Employee In Charge (EIC) or experience with transit-specific RWP programs.
• Prior experience providing WIC services on DART or similar light rail/commuter rail properties.
• Familiarity with digital tools like GPS-enabled safety apps or on-track safety manuals.