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Rail Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

IA

$89K/yr

... of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to motive power ... managers, and federal and state stakeholders. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your ...

IA

$89K/yr

... of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to motive power ... managers, and federal and state stakeholders. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your ...

IA · On-site

$89K/yr

... of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to motive power ... managers, and federal and state stakeholders. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your ...

IA

$89K/yr

... of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to motive power ... managers, and federal and state stakeholders. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your ...

... or management. ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS: 18 years of age or older; Valid Driver's License; 2 years verifiable work experience and/or college; railroad industry experience strongly preferred; Must ...

... or management. ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS: 18 years of age or older; Valid Driver's License; 2 years verifiable work experience and/or college; railroad industry experience strongly preferred; Must ...

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Rail Manager information

What is a Rail Manager?

A Rail Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the operations, safety, and efficiency of rail transport systems. Their duties can include managing staff, coordinating train schedules, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and handling budgetary concerns. Rail Managers work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, maintenance crews, and customer service teams, to ensure smooth and effective railway operations. They play a crucial role in problem-solving, emergency response, and implementing strategies for service improvements. This position requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

What are some of the main challenges Rail Managers face when overseeing daily operations, and how can they effectively address them?

Rail Managers often face challenges such as coordinating schedules across multiple teams, ensuring safety compliance, and managing unexpected service disruptions. To effectively address these, successful Rail Managers rely on strong communication skills, proactive planning, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions. Building a collaborative team environment and staying updated on regulatory requirements are also key strategies for overcoming operational hurdles and maintaining efficient rail service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rail Manager, and why are they important?

To excel as a Rail Manager, you need in-depth knowledge of railway operations, safety regulations, and logistics, typically backed by a degree in engineering, transportation, or management. Familiarity with rail management software, scheduling systems, and safety compliance tools is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and coordinating with stakeholders. These competencies ensure efficient rail operations, compliance with safety standards, and smooth collaboration across departments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rail jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Rail jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Rail Manager job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.
Railroad Safety Inspector (Track)- DIRECT HIRE- SME

Railroad Safety Inspector (Track)- DIRECT HIRE- SME

Federal Railroad Administration

Des Moines, IA

$89K/yr

Other

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

The position(s) are located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Track and Structures Division. The Track and Structures Division is responsible for executing and administering the track and structures safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevants to railroad track, track configuration, track components, rail integrity, bridge and structures, and railroad workplace safety.

PLEASE NOTE: This vacancy has been amended to add additional locations. 

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements.

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector (Track), the Qualifications Standard states you MUST have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas: 

  • Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment.
  • General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry.
  • Railroad accident investigation techniques.
  • Skill in written an oral communication.
  • Knowledge of railroad track system construction, maintenance, testing, or inspection techniques;
  • Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of various track system configurations; AND
  • Knowledge of Federal railroad track safety standards.

For the GS-12, to qualify, your experience should include all of the above plus at least one year of specialize experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11, which includes the following:

  • Experience applying Federal Railroad track safety standards/regulations for the purpose of inspecting and identifying track safety deficiencies.
  • Experience ensuring railroad compliance with federal regulations by auditing railroad inspections activities, conducting inspections, assessing safety complaints, and performing accident investigations.
  • Experience producing electronic and automated track inspection and violation reports that describe defective track conditions, narrative accident / incident reports and present safety related information to railroad managers, and federal and state stakeholders.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  1. Accident Investigation - Knowledge of guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with an accident investigation including preservation of accident scene, root cause analysis, and evidence detection and handling.
  2. Planning and Evaluating - Organize work, sets priorities, and determine resource requirements; determine short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinate with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
  3. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  4. Oral Communication - Make clear and convincing oral presentations. Listen effectively; clarify information as needed.
  5. Written Communication - Write in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER