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Rail Crew Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ConGlobal

Train Supervisor

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$56K - $75K/yr

The Railyard Train Supervisor will also provide direct oversight of the on-duty rail crew and ensure the execution of the daily operating plan. Additionally, you will coordinate railcar loading and ...

Trader Joe's

Crew

Danville, CA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Location: #65 - 85 Railroad Ave. Job Location City Danville Job Location State California Job ... Operating the cash register in a fun and efficient manner * Bagging groceries with care * Stocking ...

Union Pacific

Train Crew - Dunsmuir, CA

Dunsmuir, CA · On-site

Train Crew employees are responsible for providing the safe and timely movement of customers ... operating remote control locomotives, applying, and releasing hand brakes, riding rail cars ...

RailWorks Corporation

Equipment Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Operates equipment to move, load, or unload material or perform other rail related maintenance ... crew members. * Locates underground services, such as pipes and wires, prior to beginning work.

RailWorks

Equipment Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Operates equipment to move, load, or unload material or perform other rail related maintenance ... crew members. * Locates underground services, such as pipes and wires, prior to beginning work.

Placer County California

Equipment Operator

Auburn, CA · On-site

$31.47 - $39.28/hr

Equipment Operator Receives general supervision from the Road District Crew Supervisor and may ... rail installation and repair in a training capacity. * Direct and control traffic around work sites ...

Placer County California

Equipment Operator

Tahoe City, CA · On-site

$31.47 - $39.28/hr

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general supervision from the Road District Crew ... rail installation and repair in a training capacity. * Direct and control traffic around work sites ...

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Rail Crew Operator information

What is a rail crew operator?

Rail Crew Operators are professionals responsible for operating and managing trains, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of rail vehicles. Their duties often include operating locomotives, coordinating with dispatchers, inspecting equipment, and adhering to safety regulations. They may work on freight or passenger trains and are essential in maintaining schedules and handling emergencies. This role requires specialized training, a strong understanding of safety protocols, and teamwork with other rail staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail crew operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rail Crew Operator, you need a solid understanding of rail operations, mechanical aptitude, and adherence to safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with railway signaling systems, locomotive controls, and communication devices is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and coordinated movement of trains, minimizing risks and maintaining operational reliability.

What are some common challenges faced by rail crew operators when working in varying weather conditions?

Rail Crew Operators often work outdoors and are exposed to all types of weather, from intense heat to freezing cold and heavy rain. These conditions can present challenges such as reduced visibility, slippery surfaces, and equipment malfunctions due to temperature extremes. Operators must remain vigilant about safety protocols, wear appropriate protective gear, and adapt their workflow to maintain efficiency and prevent accidents. Employers typically offer thorough training and ongoing support to help operators manage these conditions safely.

What is the difference between Rail Crew Operator vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectRail Crew OperatorSignal Maintainer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tracks, and construction sitesRailway signal systems, control rooms, and tracks
Industry UsageCommonly employed by rail companies for track and train operationsEmployed by rail companies to maintain and repair signaling systems

Rail Crew Operators focus on operating trains and ensuring safety on the tracks, while Signal Maintainers specialize in maintaining and repairing signaling systems to ensure safe train movement. Both roles require safety certifications and work in railway environments, but their specific duties differ significantly.

How much money does a rail crew operator make?

A rail crew operator typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. The role often requires safety training and familiarity with railway equipment, with some positions offering overtime pay for irregular hours.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Crew Operator jobs in California?

For Rail Crew Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Crew Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Crew Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Rail Crew Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Rail Crew Operator job openings:

Rail Crew Operator jobs near you

Railroad Roadmaster

Ventura, CA • On-site

Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation LLC
See more jobs at Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation LLCexternal

$66K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

This position will be responsible for overseeing and managing the inspection and maintenance of rail corridors and associated facilities to include working on track, right-of-way, rail stations, platforms, and facilities for our railroad on the Santa Paula Branch Line in Ventura County, CA. This position will be overseeing a section crew of 4-5 employees, making sure that any required repairs and work along the railroad right of way are taken care of in a timely manner. This position will also be expected to conduct track inspections as needed at the required frequencies based on the classification of track. This is a salaried supervisor position that will be expected to work 40 -5o hours a week with occasional out of town travel as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Conducts self in an appropriate manner as a representative of our railroad, working effectively in a diverse work environment using prudent judgment at all times, performing duties in a safe manner.
  • Knows and understands the requirements set forth in CFR Title 49, Part 213 and their application to ensuring that the right of way stays within Federal standards.
  • Supervise a section crew of Maintenance of Way Laborers/Operators.
  • Know, understand, and set up safety precautions for the protection of roadway workers and contractors while working on or adjacent to right of way.
  • Know and understand track warrants, their use and be able to obtain them from the Dispatcher for the protection of roadway workers
  • Loads and unloads heavy materials, obtains necessary material and equipment, and removes debris and maintains a clean, safe work site.
  • Assist in removing and installing railroad ties, rails, turnouts, track fastenings, and track switches, ensuring the safe and proper operation of all vehicles, material, and equipment.
  • Lubricates track and track switches, remove and tightens bolts, assists in track surfacing, alignment, gauging, jacking, and tamping and performs other related maintenance of way duties as directed.
  • Assists other employees as assigned in the maintenance, handling, and repair of rail shop equipment, stations, platforms in a safe and proper manner.
  • Assists in re-railing operations and operates various rail equipment and other service vehicles; uses air, electric, and hydraulic power tools and equipment utilized in the performance of maintenance of way duties.
  • Performs various physical duties in a maintenance environment, which includes, but is not limited to, working with dust, dirt, gravel, fumes, exhaust, various noise levels, chemicals, in confined spaces, and in various, sometimes extreme, outdoor weather conditions and temperatures as required.
  • Other duties as required.
Qualifications
  • At least 3 years of track experience with a track inspectors' certification.
  • Valid California driver's license with a clean Motor Vehicle record.
  • Computer skills, primarily Microsoft Office and Power point. 
  • Prior experience in a safety sensitive position/ job.
  • Prior knowledge, training, and certification in railroad operating rules preferred but not required.
  • Effective communication skills.
  • Class A Commercial Driver License preferred but not required.
Working Conditions

This job requires work outdoors in all weather conditions with occasional office work in doors. Proper use of PPE equipment is required depending on job activities. This job may also require weekend work with occasional travel out of town.

Physical Requirements
  • Capable of conducting 40+ hours of work a week.
  • Physically capable to traverse in and around the office complex and anywhere else on railroad property.
  • Be able to climb up and down railroad equipment.
  • Must be able to bend, stoop, reach, twist, climb and work at heights up to 20 feet, access confined areas, push/pull up to 125 pounds, lift/carry up to 80 pounds, and horizontally move equipment weighing up to 90 pounds.
  • The position will be subject to DOT/FRA pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.
$66,000 - $85,000 a year

Medical, Dental, Hearing & Vision are 100% covered by the company for the employee plus a significant other.

This position comes with railroad retirement.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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