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Rail Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Herzog

Manager of Field Operations

San Jose, CA

$152K - $160K/yr

Exercises leadership and supervision over rail operations which are composed of operations managers, and TE&Y. Provide counsel and guidance of, and render performance appraisal evaluation of ...

Herzog

Manager of Field Operations

San Jose, CA · On-site

$152K - $160K/yr

Exercises leadership and supervision over rail operations which are composed of operations managers, and TE&Y. Provide counsel and guidance of, and render performance appraisal evaluation of ...

Career Movement

Operations Manager

Oakland, CA

They are looking to add two Operations Managers to lead the day-to-day supervision of terminal ... rail functions. Make real-time decisions on labor assignments, shift extensions, and equipment ...

Career Movement

Operations Manager

Oakland, CA

They are looking to add two Operations Managers to lead the day-to-day supervision of terminal ... rail functions. Make real-time decisions on labor assignments, shift extensions, and equipment ...

Career Movement

Operations Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site

They are looking to add two Operations Managers to lead the day-to-day supervision of terminal ... rail functions. Make real-time decisions on labor assignments, shift extensions, and equipment ...

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All JobsRail Operations JobsRail Operations Manager JobsRail Operations Manager Jobs in California

Rail Operations Manager information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$62.6K

$116.9K

How much do rail operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail operations manager in California is $62,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Rail Operations Manager, you need a strong background in transportation logistics, operational management, and safety regulations, often supported by a relevant degree or significant industry experience. Familiarity with rail traffic control systems, scheduling software, and safety compliance tools is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and excellent communication skills are essential to effectively coordinate teams and manage unexpected challenges. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and reliable rail operations while meeting organizational goals.

What is the difference between Rail Operations Manager vs Rail Supervisor?

AspectRail Operations ManagerRail Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire rail operations, manages teams, ensures safety and efficiencySupervises daily activities of rail crews, enforces safety protocols
CredentialsTypically requires relevant experience, certifications in safety and operationsOften requires experience in rail work, safety training
Work EnvironmentOffice-based planning, field oversight, coordination with multiple departmentsOn-site supervision of train crews and maintenance teams
Industry UsageCommonly used in large rail companies and freight operationsUsed in daily operational roles within rail companies

The Rail Operations Manager focuses on strategic oversight and coordination of rail activities, while the Rail Supervisor handles daily supervision of crews. Both roles require safety certifications and industry experience, but the manager has broader responsibilities for overall operations.

What are the main challenges a rail operations manager typically faces when coordinating schedules and resources?

Rail Operations Managers often navigate the complexities of coordinating train schedules, crew assignments, and track maintenance while ensuring safety and minimizing delays. Balancing the needs of passenger and freight services, handling unexpected disruptions like weather or mechanical issues, and maintaining clear communication with multiple teams are common challenges. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions under pressure.

What is a rail operations manager?

Rail Operations Managers are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of railway systems, ensuring that trains run safely, efficiently, and on schedule. They manage staff, coordinate train movements, and handle any operational issues that arise. Their role often includes planning and implementing safety procedures, liaising with other departments, and analyzing performance data to improve service quality. Rail Operations Managers play a crucial role in maintaining smooth and reliable rail services.

What does a rail operations manager do?

A rail operations manager oversees the daily functioning of railway services, including scheduling, safety compliance, and coordination of train movements. They ensure efficient operations by managing staff, monitoring equipment, and implementing safety protocols, often using specialized software and adhering to industry regulations.
What are popular job titles related to Rail Operations Manager jobs in California? For Rail Operations Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rail Operations Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Rail Operations Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Rail Operations Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Rail Operations Manager job openings:
Rail Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Operations Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,625 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Manager, Rail Operations

San Mateo County Transit District

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$143K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Salary : $143,142.00 - $200,398.00 Annually
Location : Menlo Park, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00072
Division: Rail
Department: Rail Operations and Maintenanc
Opening Date: 07/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
General
The Manager, Rail Operations, will report to the Deputy Director, Rail Operations, and is responsible for overseeing and evaluating the Caltrain commuter rail service operations and operating rules, for the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain).
Essential Functions & Duties
  • Responsible for updates to Caltrain-specific modifications to the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR).
  • Monitor and evaluate the implementation of Caltrain service and operating plans through coordination with Rail Operations Planning and Contract Operators.
  • Provide immediate 24/7 response to service and operational emergencies on or around the property.
  • Monitor and audit contract operator operational and regulatory performance by review and approval of daily, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual performance reports.
  • Represents Rail Operations, the District and the PCJPB internally and externally. Make presentations in a variety of forums to governing boards, the public and others, including advocacy groups such as the Caltrain Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC) and the Caltrain Bicycle and Active Transportation Advisory Committee.
  • Represents Rail Operations as a member of the Caltrain System Modification Review Committee (CSMRC) by reviewing Configuration Change Requests (CCR) and identifying any operational impacts and ways to mitigate/resolve those conflicts.
  • Coordinate with the System Engineering Department to develop, monitor and evaluate the implementation of changes to operational systems, including Positive Train Control (PTC), Predictive Train Arrival/Departure System (PADS) and Rail Operations Control System (ROCS).
  • Supervise staff. Hire, mentor and take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action. Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed. Participate in selection of staff. Coordinate staff training and professional development. Establish performance objectives. Monitor and evaluate employee performance.
Examples of Essential Duties:
  • On site/direct monitoring of the Centralized Control Facility (CCF).
  • Provide immediate (24/7) interface with contract operator for operational and customer service issues.
  • Participate in the daily morning call with the contract operator.
  • Monitor contractor's performance on safety, efficiency testing, standard operating procedures, and emergency operations planning.
  • Participating in the development of Caltrain Standard Operating Procedures
  • Evaluate contractors to determine performance fee payments for services rendered.
  • Monitor and evaluate the implementation of train service delivery, operating plans, and public timetables.
  • Monitor, evaluate, and report on rail operations, on-time performance, ridership, customer satisfaction, and contractor performance/compliance.
  • Evaluate operating and service plans for special events and oversee their implementation.
  • Analyze contractor's crew assignments to ensure the efficient use of budgeted employees and identify opportunities to reduce overtime.
  • Analyze performance reports, operational and customer service trends, and identify programs for improvement.
  • Collaborate with Government and Community Affairs and Customer Service to address customer issues.
  • Chair of the Caltrain Operating Rules Committee, organize, develop, review and approve rule changes.
  • Coordinate with the Communications Department to review, approve and implement any conductor or visual messaging system (VMS) announcements.
  • Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one's self, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:
  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, Transportation Planning, Operations Analysis, or related field.
  • Five (5) years of full-time experience in commuter rail operations, and train control systems.
  • In lieu of a degree nine years of full-time experience in commuter rail operations and train control systems.
  • Two (2) years of experience managing or directly supervising staff.
  • Must be able to respond to service and operational emergencies on and around the active railroad 24/7 and in a variety of weather and road conditions.
  • Valid California driver license with safe driving record is required
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with Railroad Electrification systems and Positive Train Control systems.
  • Effective written and oral communications skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.
How to Apply
  • Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date. Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of fully completed applications. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that applications are completed with all relevant information (experience, education, certifications, licenses, references and/or other information).
  • The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.
  • We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Below is a summary of the comprehensive benefits provided to District full-time employees:
Health and Welfare Benefits:
  • Healthcare Benefits -District employees are offered a choice of healthcare providers under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program. The District will contribute ninety (90) percent towards monthly premiums for full-time employees. Fifty (50) percent for part-time employees.
  • Free Dental and Vision Benefits provided - Employer Covers Premiums
  • Free Employee Assistance Benefit - Employees are entitled to 5 face-to-face sessions or telephonic or web-video consultations for problem-solving support per incident, per calendar year.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified Health or Dependent Care expenses.

Retirement Medical Benefits:
  • Long Term Disability Insurance - After 90 days of total disability, Administrative full-time employees are eligible for 60% of monthly income covered by the District.
  • Health and Wellness - Gyms located at most work locations and discounted Weight Watcher Membership Option.

Holidays and Paid Time Off:
  • Paid Time Off - Newly hired employees accrue 6.5 hours bi-weekly when hired (if Exempt 8.25 hours). As you move up in years of service credit, the rate of the amount of PTO accrued will also increase.
  • Paid Holidays - The District provides seven paid holidays throughout the year - New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
  • Floating Holidays - District employees can earn up to five (5) floating holidays.

Financial Planning Benefits:
  • Pension Benefits through CalPERS -You must have a minimum of 5 years of service to be eligible for this pension.
  • CalPERS PEPRA vs. Classic - All employees hired on, or after January 1, 2013, are considered PEPRA members and will contribute 8% of their salary up to the maximum IRS cut-off. All Classic members will contribute 6%
  • Deferred Compensation Options - Select to contribute to one or both of our Tax Deferred Compensation Options
  • Reliance Standard Life Insurance with 100% premium paid by the District - 1 times annual salary of employee - max $200,000
  • Optional Life Insurance - Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible family members.

Growth and Education Benefits:
  • Professional Development - Access to LinkedIn Learning and San Mateo County's professional training. District Tuition Reimbursement Program - A maximum of $5,250 per year for courses related to your job or career goals with the District.
  • Computer Loan Program - Interest-free two-year loan with a maximum amount of $2,000.

Other Amazing Benefits:
  • Credit Union - Employees and family members are eligible to join the San Mateo Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union.
  • Employee Clean Commute (ECC) - Car/Van poolers and Public Transit riders receive a monthly reimbursement.
  • Commuter Benefits - Free Employee Parking; Free Bus Pass for employee as well as children/spouse; Clipper Card/Go Pass Program for Central employees.

For union employees, all of the above benefits are subject to the employee's Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits listed are also subject to change with or without notice and are subject to contract/provider terms and conditions.

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