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Rail Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The position blends logistics support, data validation, reporting, and cross functional communication to help ensure efficient and compliant rail operations. JOB FUNCTIONS AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The position blends logistics support, data validation, reporting, and cross functional communication to help ensure efficient and compliant rail operations. JOB FUNCTIONS AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES ...

Railserve is hiring dependable, safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Lincoln, NE to support daily rail operations at an industrial facility. This is a full-time, outdoor, hands-on role ...

Railserve is hiring dependable, safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Midland to support daily rail operations at an industrial facility. This is a full-time, outdoor, hands-on role critical ...

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How much do rail operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail operations in the United States is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Rail Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Rail Operations, you need strong knowledge of railway systems, safety regulations, logistics, and often a relevant qualification or certification in transportation or rail operations. Familiarity with train control systems, scheduling software, and safety management platforms is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing schedules and ensuring safety. These competencies are essential to maintain efficient rail service, uphold safety standards, and respond swiftly to operational challenges.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Rail Operations, and how can they be addressed?

Rail Operations professionals often encounter challenges such as coordinating train schedules to minimize delays, ensuring safety compliance, and managing unexpected disruptions like equipment failures or weather-related issues. Addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, effective communication with team members, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Many organizations provide comprehensive training and utilize advanced technology to support decision-making, helping staff maintain smooth and safe operations.

What are rail operations?

Rail operations refer to the management and coordination of train movements and services within a railway network. This includes scheduling trains, ensuring safe and efficient transportation of passengers or freight, monitoring track usage, and responding to emergencies or disruptions. Professionals in rail operations work to maintain punctuality, safety, and smooth functioning of all railway activities. The field can involve roles such as train dispatchers, controllers, and operations managers.

What is the difference between Rail Operations vs Rail Conductors?

AspectRail OperationsRail Conductors
Primary RoleOversees train movements, scheduling, and safety protocolsManages passenger boarding, ticketing, and safety onboard trains
Required CertificationsRailroad operating certificates, safety trainingConductor certification, safety and first aid training
Work EnvironmentTrain yards, control centers, on the trainOnboard trains, stations, and depots
Employer & Industry UsageRailroads, transit agencies, freight companiesPassenger rail services, commuter trains

Rail Operations professionals focus on managing train movements and safety systems, often working behind the scenes or in control centers. Rail Conductors primarily handle passenger interactions, safety onboard, and ticketing. While both roles require safety certifications and work within the rail industry, Rail Operations is more centered on train logistics, whereas Rail Conductors focus on passenger service and onboard safety.

More about Rail Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Rail Operations jobs? Cities with the most Rail Operations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Operations jobs? The most popular types of Rail Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Rail Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Rail Operations jobs include:
Infographic showing various Rail Operations job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Full Time, 73% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,239 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
Rail Operator - Savannah, GA

Rail Operator - Savannah, GA

Plastic Express Inc

Savannah, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Plastic Express rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Title

Come join a winning team! Since 1970 Plastic Express has met the bulk trucking, bulk terminal, packaging, and warehousing needs of the plastics industry. Our strategic locations, modern systems, and dedicated employees allow us to provide custom tailored logistical solutions to fulfill the most challenging needs of our customers. Plastic Express operates from 22 full-service facilities, more than 40 bulk terminals, and 52 railcar terminals offering more than 8,500 railcar spots across the country. We are located near 9 major ports in the U.S. and rely heavily on our rail infrastructure to handle imports/exports as well as regional distribution. At many of the Plastic Express sites, we also handle some non-plastic commodities, which include; paper rolls, steel, building materials and other dry bulk materials. Plastic Express owns and operates roughly 250 trucks, with approximately 250 trailers performing full bulk truck distribution business. Plastic Express is headquartered in Houston, TX and has over 600 employees nationwide. Our goal has always been to exceed our customer's expectations, and our can do-attitude is what differentiates us from the competition. Plastic Express employees have always been our key to success and total customer satisfaction. We are always looking for dependable & talented business professionals that will help us to grow and to continue our "Can Do" tradition.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Job summary: With reporting responsibilities to the AVP of Rail Operations, this position is directly responsible for performing essential rail functions in a safety sensitive and production environment. Duties include: rail operations, load out/wash out operations, and performing light maintenance, training new staff when requested, record keeping and communication of issues with management.

Duties and Responsibilities

Loadout/Washout Operations

  • Coordinate, schedule and supervise all maintenance of loadout, wash and rail department equipment.
  • Daily document pellet control survey, clean up and inspection.
  • Weekly rail scale inspection.
  • Weight car verification.
  • Washout of hopper cars prior to loading per plant and ISO operational procedures.
    • Inspection of empty hopper car before washing.
    • Safe operation of vacuum system if heel is present.
    • Safe operation of hopper car wash system.
    • Operation of drying system.
    • Update washed car information into plant Wonder Ware Software Program.
  • Load all PP production into hopper cars per plant and ISO operational procedures.
    • Operate loadout programmable logic controller (PLC) computer
    • Confirm "Clean Car" in Wonder Ware software program.
    • Safe operation of the Fuller Full load system.
    • Apply hatch bonnets and filters.
    • Record security seals in Wonder Ware software program.
    • Record Tare "Empty" and Heavy "Loaded" weight of hopper car in Wonder Ware software program.

Qualifications

Required education and experience:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must be able to safely operate a rail king and must pass site rail king certification.

Preferred education and experience:

  • Previous warehousing/rail experience is preferred.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. These tasks include, but are not limited to:

  • Must be able to perform physical labor such as; lifting up to 55 lbs., moving up to 250 pounds, climbing ladders, operate control panels and working with hand tools.
  • Must be able use fingers, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and/or hear.
  • Employee must possess adequate vision to include close visual confirmation of finely printed documents, have distance vision to safely and correctly identify objects and or markings.
  • Must be able to work overtime, long hours, weekends, and holidays.

Licenses/Certificates:

Rail King certification

Skills:

Ability to work independently and as part of team

Ability to recognize onsite risk factors and take appropriate action with firmness and tact

Must have excellent interpersonal, communications, and organizational skills.

Must be multi-task oriented with the ability to handle many activities simultaneously.

Must have the ability to think independently and make decisions that are in the company's best interest.

Additional Job Details

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Work Environment: Expected to performing essential rail functions in a safety sensitive and production environment in and around a warehouse and railyard.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm but are subject to modification/adjustment based on workload.

Travel: Little to no travel is expected for this position.

Benefits and Perks:

  • Family health benefit packages - after 90 days
  • Vacation pay - after 90 days
  • Holiday pay - after 90 days
  • Company matching 401k retirement program - after 90 days

Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted and/or changed at any time at the discretion of management. In line with Plastic Express' Environmental Promise, the hired individual is expected to enthusiastically support all facets of Operation Clean Sweep; specifically, making a conscious effort to prevent pellet, flake and powder loss into the environment and ensure any spills are swiftly and effectively cleaned up. If you have an interest in working at Plastic Express, please forward your resume including a brief work history.