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How to hire a regulator operator

Regulator operator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring regulator operators in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a regulator operator is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new regulator operator to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a regulator operator, step by step

To hire a regulator operator, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a regulator operator:

Here's a step-by-step regulator operator hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a regulator operator job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new regulator operator
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    The regulator operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a regulator operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a regulator operator that fits the bill.

    This list shows salaries for various types of regulator operators.

    Type of Regulator OperatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Regulator Operator$12-23
    Production EmployeeIn a manufacturing setting, a production employee is in charge of assembling and processing products, ensuring efficiency and timelines. Their responsibilities include adhering to guidelines and blueprints, monitoring the products for any defects or inconsistencies, operating machines and equipment, keeping an eye on the assembly line, and maintaining the cleanliness of work areas... Show more$12-20
    Shop WorkerA shop worker may work in a wholesale or retail shop to provide customer service. They welcome guests, maintain their store's cleanliness, and ensure stock levels are maintained... Show more$11-19
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Safety Procedures
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
    • Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.
    • Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your regulator operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A regulator operator salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, regulator operators' average salary in arkansas is 35% less than in oregon.
    • Seniority. Entry-level regulator operators earn 47% less than senior-level regulator operators.
    • Certifications. A regulator operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a regulator operator's salary.

    Average regulator operator salary

    $36,256yearly

    $17.43 hourly rate

    Entry-level regulator operator salary
    $26,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 27, 2025
  4. Writing a regulator operator job description

    A job description for a regulator operator role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a regulator operator job description:

    Regulator operator job description example

    Job Title: Ballast Regulator Operator Department: Complete Track Works Division: Northern Plains Rail Services Reports to: Regional Superintendent Job Status: Full Time Schedule: 7:00am – 4:30pm with additional hours as required. Travel Included 80+ %

    Summary:

    Operate Ballast Regulator to perform the work that the machine is designed for, such as, shaping, distributing, shouldering, and sweeping ballast which supports the ties of railroad track. Operate a variety of equipment within NPRC to move, load, or unload various ballast & railroad materials and install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures.

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities at NPRC are, but not limited to:

    · Operate regulator to perform the work that machine is designed for, such as, shaping, distributing, shouldering, and sweeping the track ballast that supports the ties of railroad track.

    • Installs equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures.

    · Operate regulator with attachments to clear debris from tracks, remove snow, improve stormwater drainage, and brush cut.

    • Operates On-track equipment to rehabilitate, constructs, or install railroad track.
    • Operates Construction equipment to move, load, or unload material.
    • Operates equipment in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with governing regulations, policies and procedures.
    • Coordinates machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.

    · Manage the distribution of ballast, whether by roto dump, front end loader, or by using rail car.

    · Ability to run regulator or direct regulator operator to establish work requirements and meet precise job specifications.

    · Must be able to trouble shoot and/or diagnose machine problems to ensure steady production in the field.

    • Perform maintenance and make repairs on machine and related equipment as necessary.
    • Perform minor mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic repairs in the field and/or the shop.
    • Order parts on their own and communicate with the mechanic.
    • Must be able to work alone in remote locations independently and with minimum supervision.
    • Communicate any safety or mechanical issues to supervisor.
    • Inspect and recognize any deviation from FRA track safety standards part 213.

    · Responsible for the safe completion and inspection of assigned task.

    • Meet job production objectives safely, and within budget, with respect to detail and quality.

    · Must fill out, maintain, and produce accurate and up-to-date production reports.

    • Assist in the restoration, renewal, maintenance, and new construction of track structures as needed.
    • Works with Truck drivers loads and offloads equipment as it arrives and exits project site.
    • Takes action to avoid potential hazards and obstructions, such as utilities, other equipment, other workers, structural objects, and through traffic.
    • Perform manual labor consisting of crouching, bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and lifting while working at ground level.
    • Other Duties as assigned.

    Competencies:

    To perform this job successfully at NPRC, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

    • Ability to Operate Various types of Ballast Regulators.

    · Track record of successful project management.

    · Basic Internet and computer skills.

    · Successful management of surfacing projects.

    · Experience using hand tools, power tools and hydraulic equipment.

    · Knowledge of and ability to adhere to safety requirements and procedures.

    · Ability to work on their own in remote locations independently.

    · Ability to operate and maintain a ballast regulator.

    · Willingness to wear the proper and required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as hard hat, steel toed boots, eye and hearing protection and face shields and other PPE required for specific tasks.

    · The ability to communicate in a professional manner with owners, owner’s representatives, customers and direct supervisor.

    · Ability to work a computer or other handheld device for payroll reports, equipment reports, safety and equipment reports and email correspondence

    • A valid Commercial Driver’s License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Driving Record.

    Physical Demands :

    NPRC may make reasonable accommodations enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:

    • Continuous: Balancing, climbing, walking, sitting, may sit for long periods of time in a closed vehicle/machine, standing, reaching below shoulder level, grasping control levers, vision and hearing, uses close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception, good hand-eye coordination to operate all controls. Uses hands to handle and control materials, tools and vehicle controls. Uses repetitive wrist motions flexion/rotation. Uses fingering dexterity, picking, pinching, holding, grasping.
    • Frequent: Manual labor. Reaching above shoulder level at arm’s length for extended periods of time, twisting, pushing and pulling levers. Uses eye-hand-foot coordination & foot dexterity/pedals.

    · Occasional: Squatting, kneeling, climbing up and down ladder, bending, lift & carry tools, materials, equipment up to 10 lbs. & up to 50 lbs., lift over 50 lbs. Ability to throw/aligning switches.

    · Overhead lifting, crawling on deck.

    • May require travel to various facilities and provide additional services.

    Environmental :

    • Continuous: Must wear appropriate safety equipment such as safety glasses, hard hats, safety footwear, and hearing protection as required by the company. Exposed to noise.
    • Frequent: Exposure to smoke, dust, fumes, odors, grease, oil, works outdoors in hot and cold temperatures and in all extreme weather conditions, works outside, vibration, works with moving machinery and mechanical parts, works at heights.
    • Occasional: Exposure to electrical hazards, works in cramped quarters, works inside, chemicals, stand on concrete, shift work, walks on uneven or slippery surface, wet conditions, works with others & alone, paperwork.
    • Rare: Works with toxic materials.

    Education and Training:

    • GED or High School Diploma.
    • 3+ Years’ experience operating a Regulator or heavy construction equipment.
    • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
    • Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPR driver provisions.

    This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.

    NPR is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation.

  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right regulator operator for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your regulator operator job on Zippia to find and recruit regulator operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit regulator operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new regulator operator

    Once you've decided on a perfect regulator operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    To prepare for the new regulator operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a regulator operator?

Recruiting regulator operators involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

The median annual salary for regulator operators is $36,256 in the US. However, the cost of regulator operator hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring a regulator operator for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $12 and $23 an hour.

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