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Flexible Short Line Railroad Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Company Background OL&B Railway, a NEBCO Company, is a short line railway, specializing in transloading, railcar repair, railcar storage, and track repair. It is also known as the "Big Red Line". OL ...

Company Background OL&B Railway, a NEBCO Company, is a short line railway, specializing in transloading, railcar repair, railcar storage, and track repair. It is also known as the "Big Red Line". OL ...

Railroad & Industry Relations * Build and maintain relationships with Class I railroads, short-line operators, terminal operators, and other logistics partners. * Serve as the company's subject ...

Railroad & Industry Relations * Build and maintain relationships with Class I railroads, short-line operators, terminal operators, and other logistics partners. * Serve as the company's subject ...

Company Background OL&B Railway, a NEBCO Company, is a short line railway, specializing in transloading, railcar repair, railcar storage, and track repair. It is also known as the "Big Red Line". OL ...

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Flexible Short Line Railroad information

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$10

$19

$44

How much do flexible short line railroad jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for flexible short line railroad in the United States is $19.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flexible short line railroad?

A Flexible Short Line Railroad is a smaller, independent railroad company that operates over relatively short distances, often connecting rural or industrial areas to larger national rail networks. These railroads are known for their adaptability and personalized service, catering to specific local freight needs. They play a crucial role in the transportation industry by providing cost-effective solutions for shippers who may not have direct access to major rail lines. Flexible short lines often collaborate with larger railroads to ensure goods are efficiently moved across the country. Their flexibility comes from being able to adjust schedules, routes, and services based on customer requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a short line railroad operator?

To thrive as a Short Line Railroad Operator, you need knowledge of railroad operations, safety procedures, and equipment handling, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with track inspection tools, signaling systems, and railroad management software is often required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring safe, efficient train operations and maintaining regulatory compliance in a dynamic railroad environment.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working on a flexible short line railroad, and how can they prepare for them?

Employees on a flexible short line railroad often encounter challenges such as adapting to variable work schedules, managing unexpected maintenance issues, and coordinating closely with small teams to ensure smooth operations. Since these railroads serve specific local or regional needs, workers may need to be versatile, performing multiple roles including operations, maintenance, and customer service. To succeed, it's helpful to develop strong communication skills, a problem-solving mindset, and a willingness to learn new tasks as needed. Being proactive about safety and staying flexible with work hours are also critical in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Flexible Short Line Railroad vs Railroad Conductor?

AspectFlexible Short Line RailroadRailroad Conductor
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, certificationsHigh school diploma, safety training, certifications
Work EnvironmentShort-distance rail lines, local operationsOnboard trains, switching yards, local and regional routes
Employer & IndustryShort line rail companies, freight transportClass I and regional railroads, freight and passenger services

Flexible Short Line Railroad workers and Railroad Conductors both require safety certifications and work in rail industry environments. The main difference lies in the scope of operations: flexible short line railroads focus on short-distance, local freight services, while conductors oversee train operations and passenger or freight services across various routes.

More about Flexible Short Line Railroad jobs

What cities are hiring for Flexible Short Line Railroad jobs?

Cities with the most Flexible Short Line Railroad job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Short Line Railroad jobs?

The most popular types of Short Line Railroad jobs are:

What states have the most Flexible Short Line Railroad jobs?

States with the most job openings for Flexible Short Line Railroad jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Flexible Short Line Railroad jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Flexible Short Line Railroad jobs are:

Infographic showing various Flexible Short Line Railroad job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,066 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Switching / Transload Operator

OL&B Railway

Lincoln, NE

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Company Background

OL&B Railway, a NEBCO Company, is a short line railway, specializing in transloading, railcar repair, railcar storage, and track repair. It is also known as the "Big Red Line".  OL&B Railway is a Class III switching railroad that interchanges cars from the Union Pacific and BNSF. For more information, visit www.olbrailway.com.

NEBCO, Inc.
NEBCO's story has been one of longevity, diversity and continued growth. NEBCO is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business, with more than 1,100 employees spanning 50 locations across Nebraska.  Since 1908 NEBCO has grown to become one of Nebraska's most diversified and successful privately-owned businesses.  For more information about NEBCO, visit www.nebcoinc.com.

Job Summary 
OL&B Railway is looking for a high performing, motivated, and reliable Switching and Transload Operator! The ideal candidate will have construction or agriculture experience and be mechanically inclined with problem solving skills. This position supports daily switching operations and assists with the repair and maintenance of locomotives and rail car fleet.  Must abide by Company Safety Program and Policies, while performing duties safely.  Reliable attendance required.  Normal hours are Monday thru Friday, 6:45 am to 2:45 pm. Must be able to meet a 2 hour on-call.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Abides by all FRA, AAR, OSHA, DOT, and other applicable regulations.
  • Works with a switch crew to perform safe railcar switching movements including, roll by inspection of railcars, delivering railcars to and from customers and partner railroads, provide accurate railcar counts, understanding rail yard, determining car movements, securing rail equipment, operating switches, and working with other crew members using radio communications during operating hours, which may include weekends and nights.
  • Climbs onto railcars, operating straps, opening and closing railcar doors, and operating with ramps.
  • Safely operates related equipment, such as forklift, while unloading building materials from railcars and trucks, placing materials in designated storage areas, and loading material onto trucks to go to destination, stacking and banding material as necessary.
  • Completes inventory documentation, shipping papers, and other documentation, ensures correct material(s) arrived and correct material(s) are shipped out.
  • Performs track maintenance following Track Worker Safety Program while working around and using maintenance of way tools and equipment.
  • Maintains rail yard including, vegetation, roadway maintenance, drainage, snow removal, and other duties, to ensure a safe working environment. 
  • Assists in maintenance of facilities and all associated equipment, including, but not limited to, OL&B locomotives, overhead crane, forklift, bobcat, air compressor, company pickups and dump trucks.  Equipment must be kept in sound and safe operating condition.
  • Assists with maintenance and repairs of OL&B and foreign railcars, and subsequent completion of necessary repair reports. Assist in maintaining inventory of car repair parts. 
  • Provides switching and other railroad support services as needed.
  • May also perform driving duties to assist in offloading lumber when needed.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Education and/or Experience:   

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) equivalent; and
  • previous experience in performing mechanical repair, and/or working in construction, agriculture, or related labor environment; or
  • an equivalent combination of education and experience.  
  • Technical degree/vocational training in railroad programs or related area is helpful, but not necessary. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:  

  • Valid driver's license and be insurable under the company insurance program.  CDL is helpful but not necessary.  
  • CPR and First Aid Certified, or ability to become certified with company training.
  • Employee will be trained and required to become conductor, forklift, and all other equipment certified necessary to perform their job duties.

Qualifications:

  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as railroad safety rules, procedure manuals, SDS sheets, switch lists, bills of lading, load tickets, and repair sheets.
  • Computer skills through MS Office products for tracking and reporting.
  • Must be proficient on the use of hand, power tools and equipment.
  • Mechanical aptitude helpful.
  • Ability to be to work on time and meet on call requirements.
  • Must maintain a clean and safe yard and car repair environment.
  • Must able to frequently lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.

Benefits Include

  • Retirement Plans
  • PAID Holidays
  • Insurance Benefits
  • Wellness Program - with the opportunity to earn five additional days off
  • PAID Time Off
  • On the Job Training

Condition of Employment
Candidate is required to meet the above qualifications. Approval of pre-employment reference, background checks and post offer substance testing are required as conditions of employment.

 
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