1

Rail Superintendent Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Coordinates movement of grain, grain quality, truck and rail unloading and bin logistics. * Assign mixing and blending of grain from multiple bins each day by communicating to the team through ...

Coordinates movement of grain, grain quality, truck and rail unloading and bin logistics. * Assign mixing and blending of grain from multiple bins each day by communicating to the team through ...

Project Engineer

Mount Pleasant, IA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

This position will be based on a multi-year rail project in Mount Pleasant, IA with the home office ... Work with project superintendents and foremen on Work Activity Planning and Team communication

Project Engineer

Mount Pleasant, IA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

This position will be based on a multi-year rail project in Mount Pleasant, IA with the home office ... Work with project superintendents and foremen on Work Activity Planning and Team communication

... dams,rail, andmore.Ourteams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply ... Communicate effectively with superintendents, project engineers, and other team members to ensure ...

Civil Foreman

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$65 - $80/hr

... rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains ... Communicate effectively with superintendents, project engineers, and other team members to ensure ...

... rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains ... Communicate effectively with superintendents, project engineers, and other team members to ensure ...

Civil Foreman

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$65 - $85/hr

... rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains ... Communicate effectively with superintendents, project engineers, and other team members to ensure ...

Rail Superintendent information

See Iowa salary details

$46.5K

$96.2K

$133.4K

How much do rail superintendent jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail superintendent in Iowa is $96,155.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,400.00 and $110,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a rail superintendent do?

A Rail Superintendent oversees rail operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations. They manage crews, schedules, and equipment while coordinating with other departments to optimize transportation and logistics. Their responsibilities also include inspecting tracks and trains, addressing maintenance needs, and enforcing safety protocols. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

What are the typical career growth opportunities for a rail superintendent?

As a Rail Superintendent, you can pursue a variety of advancement opportunities within the transportation and rail industry. Many professionals in this role move up to higher-level management positions, such as Director of Rail Operations, Operations Manager, or Project Executive, as they gain experience. Opportunities for professional development often include additional certifications in safety management or specialized technical training. Additionally, demonstrated leadership and a track record of successful project delivery can open doors to strategic planning or executive-level roles within larger transportation organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the rail superintendent position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rail Superintendent, a strong background in rail operations, project management, and safety compliance—often supported by a relevant degree or extensive field experience—is essential. Familiarity with scheduling software, rail signaling systems, and safety certifications such as FRA or OSHA are typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help individuals excel in coordinating teams and resolving operational challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and timely rail line operations while managing personnel and complex logistical demands.

Infographic showing various Rail Superintendent job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,155 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Heartland Co-op rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 66 rated farming


Job description

Summary:

Assists the location manager by directing day to day receiving, production, and distribution operations to ensure grain quality for truck, rail, barge, and processing mill facilities in assigned territory by performing the following duties personally or through subordinate employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Coordinates movement of grain, grain quality, truck and rail unloading and bin logistics.
  • Assign mixing and blending of grain from multiple bins each day by communicating to the team through written orders indicating which bins of grain to move, where to move the grain, scheduled sampling of the grain as directed by management and ensuring the proper quality of grain is shipped.
  • Ensure that maintenance and housekeeping are performed in accordance with Heartland Co-op procedures. Create and follow daily, weekly, monthly and yearly maintenance programs and record maintenance records in the RCI computer system.
  • Assist with completing and logging pertinent state, local and safety compliance.
  • Schedule and assign daily job duties to employees. Assist in scheduling to ensure sufficient staffing for loading and unloading trucks, railcars and/or barges as well as staffing needs for processing mill facilities where applicable.
  • Recommend plant and elevator upgrades and budget items that may assist with better product quality as well as time and money savings.
  • Reviews expenses and inventory control programs to maintain and enhance profitable operation of location.
  • Limit outbound product discounts to levels assigned by management and maintain an overall positive mix and blend margin.
  • Assist Manager with overseeing, assigning and managing all listed daily tasks and operations at assigned locations.
  • Develop thorough understanding of processing mill and assist with overseeing daily operations with emphasis on accurate and consistent testing procedures and product quality.
  • Able to work flexible hours to accommodate inbound/outbound grain by truck, rail and/or barge as well as assist in managing 24-hour operation schedule.
  • Must maintain valid driver's license and commercial insurability at all times.
  • Other duties as assigned by management.

Work Schedule

Must be able to work flexible hours to accommodate inbound/outbound grain by truck, rail and/or barge, as well as assist in managing 24 hour/day elevator and/or mill operation schedule.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Directly supervises employees in the location. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious locations; fumes or airborne particle; toxic or caustic chemicals and outdoor weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision and Ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and climb or balance. The employee is exposed to long seasonal work hours.

Lift Level: Heavy

Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly.

Competency: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget.
  • Team Work - Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives.
  • Organizational Support - Supports organization's goals and values.
  • Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
  • Customer Service - Responds to requests for service and assistance.
  • Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or two to three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Ability:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, and the general public. Ability

to speak Spanish not required, but desirable.

Math Ability:

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of or ability to learn AS 400 accounting and inventory software, Word, and Excel. Some prior familiarity with RCImaintenance would also be useful.

Certificates and Licenses:

A weighing license and grain grading certification may be required. Must maintain valid driver's license and insurability at all times.


What Heartland Co-op employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom