Signal Assistant; Alaska Railroad

Purpose of Position

To provide assistance to Signalmen in the construction and maintenance of crossing signals, wayside signals, defect detectors, battery plants, battery charging systems and other miscellaneous signal devices.

• Assists in the construction and maintenance of highway crossing signals, wayside signals, defect detectors, battery plants, battery charging systems and other miscellaneous signal devices.
• Assists Signalmen who instruct regarding work methods, procedures, safe use of tools and test equipment.
• Completes work on repetitive tasks that are routine, incidental or preparatory work.
• Assists in making required tests to ensure problems/trouble areas are corrected.
• Operates construction equipment including trucks, backhoes, trencher/diggers, boom trucks and other small machinery as directed.
• Bonds rail, digs ditches by hand, pulls wire and lifts signal components as directed.
• Prepares and completes work records, time cards, and other records as directed.

• Use of common hand tools and heavy power tools.
• Fundamental use of electronic test equipment: voltmeters, ohm meters, and amp meters.
• Reading simple schematic diagrams, block diagrams and troubleshooting principles.
• Basic understanding of mathematics and algebra.
• Valid driver’s license, ARRC Track Car license within 12 months, Class A Commercial Driver’s license.

• Works under close supervision of a Signalman, following verbal work assignments and detailed instructions.
• Performs simpler tasks alone or with minimal direction; work reviewed in progress.

• Work in hard‑to‑reach places: standing on ladders, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing over 20 ft. high on signals using safety harness equipment.
• Lifting, carrying, and positioning heavy tools, parts and equipment up to 90 pounds.

• Work both indoors and outdoors; may be required to perform installations and repairs in adverse weather (rain, snow, extreme cold).
• Climb signal mast >20 feet; occasionally climb in and out of confined spaces.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Experience with common hand tools, heavy power tools, electronic test equipment, schematic diagrams, block diagrams, and troubleshooting principles.
• Basic mathematics and algebra skills.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to obtain ARRC Track Car license within 12 months.
• Current driving record covering past 3 years.

Alaska Railroad Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.

Alaska Railroad Human Resources Department
E‑Mail:
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 107500, Anchorage, AK
Street Address: 327 West Ship Creek, Anchorage, AK
Fax: (907) 265‑2542