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HiRail Technician

Wright Tree Service · Springfield, IL · Full time

Posted May 5, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you found a hazard during a pre-inspection and changed your plan because of it.

What they are checking: Whether they take pre-inspections seriously and adjust work for safety.

How do you handle routine maintenance on your truck and equipment, and when do you call the supervisor?

What they are checking: Whether they know their limits on repairs and report problems before they become breakdowns.

What would you do

Wind picks up and starts carrying spray toward a nearby field. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they recognize drift risk and stop spraying instead of finishing the section.

A railroad customer is unhappy that weeds are coming back in a section you treated. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Customer communication and whether they look for causes like timing or rate rather than getting defensive.

This job may require travel outside your regular region. How do you feel about that?

What they are checking: Whether they are honestly open to the travel the posting describes.

About the work

What do you know about working on or near active railroad tracks, and what FRA safety rules apply?

What they are checking: Whether they understand rail safety and FRA rules that protect workers on track.

Walk me through how you would inspect a hi-rail truck and sprayer before starting a shift.

What they are checking: Their habits for vehicle and equipment checks that prevent breakdowns and spills.

How do you calibrate a sprayer, and why does it matter?

What they are checking: Whether they know accurate application rates protect the environment and keep records correct.

What information goes into an herbicide application record?

What they are checking: Their attention to detail with records that regulators and railroad customers rely on.

Do you hold a pesticide applicator license, or would you be willing to get one?

What they are checking: Whether they are qualified or ready to become qualified to apply herbicides legally.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Wright Tree Service.

Essential Job Duties: (Tasks necessary and required to perform the job.) • Applies herbicide to on-track and off-track railroad areas • Communicates with customers effectively to resolve concerns and plans for success • Conducts pre-inspections of work areas to identify potential hazards • Utilize sprayer/handheld sprayer for herbicide application • Works around hazardous equipment • Adheres to and helps enforce company policies, jobsite safety practices, approved work methods, and applicable OSHA and FRA regulations • Uses herbicide application equipment to treat designated areas and maintains accurate application records • Maintains a neat and orderly work area • Conducts vehicle and equipment inspections to ensure proper working conditions. Performs routine maintenance on company vehicles, equipment, tools and reports specialized repair or service needs to the Supervisor • May be required to travel or work outside of the regular regional assignment • Support, actively participate, and act in accordance with Wright’s culture of safety and employee ownership • Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations; maintain knowledge of and follow all company policies and procedures • Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings Knowledge, Skills & Ability Requirements: (Knowledge – Comprehension of a body of information acquired by experience or study. Skill – a present, observable competence to perform an activity. Ability – a competence to perform an observable behavior.) • Must be able to handle stressful situations and effectively multitask • Ability to operate and maintain electronic application tracking devices and learn new technology as needed • Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint • Acquire and retain knowledge of proper herbicide application rates and techniques • Ability to properly identify tree, weed, and brush for analysis in multiple geographic locations • Excellent customer service and communication skills focused on rapport-building, listening, questioning and patience. Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, customers and employees. • Ability to adhere and enforce company and industry safety requirements, including FRA and DOT • Ability to learn quickly and to follow instructions accurately • Must be able to comprehend and/or read and write both written and verbal job instructions and safety information. • Ability to recognize poisonous plants and take proper safeguard against them • Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) as required • Willingness to work long hours and overtime during emergencies (including holidays, weekends, storm work) and will be subject to call-out work • Ability to operate and perform basic maintenance on all required tools and equipment • Capable of working independently or as part of a team Education, Certification & Experience Requirements: (The minimum level of education obtained, certifications held, or experience in years acceptable for the role.) • High School diploma or equivalent preferred, but not required • Must have valid First-Aid and CPR cards or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire Other Preferred Requirements: (driver’s license, CDL, pesticide or herbicide license, CPR or first-aid certified) • Ability to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), as required by division and contract specifications, along with a valid DOT medical card in compliance with FMCSA regulations • Maintain a valid herbicide application certification or equivalent, as required by Wright Tree Service and applicable local, state, and federal regulations • Ability to obtain eRailSafe certification Language Requirements (read, write, speak): English - ☒ Read, ☒ Write, ☒ Speak Spanish - ☐ Read, ☐ Write, ☐ Speak Other Language _________________ - ☐ Read, ☐ Write, ☐ Speak Travel Requirements: ☐No-Seldom ☐Yes-Occasional (up to 5%) ☐Yes-Moderate (5% to 25%) ☐Yes-Substantial (25% to 50%) ☒Yes-Extensive (greater than 50%) Physical Characteristics: (The physical demands necessary to perform the job duties with or without a reasonable accommodation.) • Effective bending, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Occasionally reach upward and downward • Exerting up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 50 pounds of force constantly to move objects • Possesses the ability to lift, move, and maneuver up to 50 pounds on an infrequent basis and up to 30 pounds on a frequent basis • Must be able to lift and pull application hose over and around obstructions for up to four hundred feet • Must be able to have visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned or make general observations of the community; close visual acuity, such as reading a computer screen, reading printed material, inspection of small defects, and using measurement devices • Ability to enter and exit vehicles and equipment numerous times per day Environmental Factors: (The working conditions including environment if outside - weather/temperature, noise or otherwise normal office environment.) • Routine exposure to indoor and outdoor working conditions • Routine exposure to weather, climate and temperature, such as rain, heat, sun, cold, snow • Routine exposure to nature, such as irritating plants, biting or stinging insects, dust, etc; position works outdoor on rugged terrain • Routine exposure to noise, vibration, working hazards such as proximity to moving parts, mechanical equipment, moving vehicles, gasoline powered equipment, electrical current, heights, exposure to heat, exposure to chemicals, work in close quarters, narrow aisles or passageways, communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, cleaning chemicals, dust, odors, and a variety of pets Wright Tree Service employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. https://www.wrighttree.com/privacy-policy/

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