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Rail Traffic Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DB E.C.O. North America

$118K - $153K/yr

Proficiency using the dynamic rail simulation tool Rail Traffic Controller (RTC) * Background in passenger and/or freight rail service planning * Background in railroad civil engineering Working ...

Braze

Senior Site Reliability Engineer I

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$128K - $232K/yr

This Senior SRE role is specifically focused on supporting the Braze Ruby on Rails monolith and our ... controller layers that manage massive, real-time API ingestion traffic * Own and Expand Scaling ...

New

General Galactic

Test / Automation Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

... railway to Mars - expanding access to high-energy orbits and enabling the next generation of ... Integrate sensors, DAQ systems, controllers, serial devices, PLCs, National Instruments hardware ...

Volta

Senior Network Engineer (3x Openings)

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

... controller state and hardware state disagree. * Take part in on-call, incident response, and the ... RoCE v2 and InfiniBand for training traffic, congestion control tuning, rail-optimized topology ...

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All JobsRail Traffic Controller JobsRail Traffic Controller Jobs in California

Rail Traffic Controller information

See California salary details

$12

$23

$40

How much do rail traffic controller jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail traffic controller in California is $23.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rail traffic controller?

A Rail Traffic Controller is responsible for managing and coordinating train movements to ensure safe and efficient rail operations. They monitor train positions, communicate with train crews, and use signaling systems to control rail traffic. Their role involves responding to emergencies, adjusting schedules, and preventing collisions or delays. Rail Traffic Controllers often work in control centers and must stay focused in high-pressure situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail traffic controller?

To thrive as a Rail Traffic Controller, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in transportation operations, often supported by relevant certifications or on-the-job training. Familiarity with train control systems, dispatch software, and real-time communication equipment is essential. Exceptional situational awareness, multitasking abilities, and clear communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and timely coordination of rail traffic, critical for both passenger and freight operations.

What are the typical work schedules and environments for rail traffic controllers?

Rail Traffic Controllers often work in centralized control centers and must be prepared for shift work, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as rail systems operate 24/7. The role involves monitoring train movements, coordinating with crew members, and responding promptly to any disruptions or emergencies. Work environments are typically calm but require sustained attention and quick decision-making under pressure. Being part of a close-knit operational team, Rail Traffic Controllers collaborate closely with train crews, maintenance personnel, and other dispatchers to maintain safe and efficient rail operations.

How to become a rail traffic controller?

To become a rail traffic controller, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training provided by the employer or a certification program. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential, and some positions may require certification from a transportation safety authority or experience with railway signaling systems.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Traffic Controller jobs in California?

The most popular types of Rail Traffic Controller jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Rail Traffic Controller jobs in California?

For Rail Traffic Controller jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Traffic Controller jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Traffic Controller jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Rail Traffic Controller jobs?

Cities in California with the most Rail Traffic Controller job openings:

Rail Traffic Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Traffic Controller job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,171 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Traffic Controller - Oakland

Oakland, CA • On-site

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, LLC
Construction • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, LLCexternal

$17.34 - $36.21/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
The Traffic controller will be responsible for placing, maintaining, and removing traffic control operationsper the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

Essential Duties

  • Respond to Dispatch Center calls in a timely manner for availability - no later than 1 hour if between the hours and 8am and 5pm and no later than the next day if after 5pm.
  • Maintain contact and coordination with TMI Dispatcher on and off the job
  • Maintain all equipment in a safe and working condition
  • Perform pre-job inspection and inventory utilizing the Vehicle and Equipment Checklist (VEC)
    • Inspect vehicle to ensure safe operation prior to operating (oil, tire air pressure,etc.) and report any concerns to your supervisor or the dispatcher
    • Inventory and inspect equipment needed for job
    • Load all required equipment into vehicle
  • Navigate safely to and from office to jobsite utilizing all aspect of the Smith Driving System toensure safety
  • Setting up devices: cones, signs, barricades, water-filled k-rail, etc. on job site per MUTCDguidelines
  • Flagging of traffic to ensure safe work zone for TMI customers, TMI employees, and the public
  • Coordinating with customer and/or TMI dispatcher ensuring a safe, efficient and problem free service provided to TMI customers
  • Completing required paperwork, receipts, and time-sheets on or before mandatory deadlines
  • Report any and all unsafe conditions to supervisor as soon as possible
  • Ensure a safe work zone at all times for the customer and pedestrians by being attentive andrefraining from being in the vehicle unless on a break

Equipment Operated

  • Vehicles (Trucks/Cars) of various sizes
  • Flatbed trucks
  • Trailer mounted warning signs
  • Cones, delineators, drums, barricades, signs and various other traffic control devices
  • Trailer

Essential Physical Requirements & Work Environment

  • Requires standing for prolonged periods of time
  • Ability to perform full deep squat
  • Full range of motion of arms and legs
  • Requires lifting and carrying of up to 50lb from floor to chest level carrying horizontally for 25ft
  • Requires lifting and carrying of up to 25lb from floor to shoulder level carrying horizontally for25ft
  • Requires using hands to handle, control or lift objects with a strong grip
  • Requires the ability to raise the arms over the shoulders to life and place objects of up to 50lbscarrying horizontally for 25ft
  • Requires stepping at least 33 inches onto tailgate of a truck
  • Requires being outside and exposed to environmental conditions
  • Requires being in construction environment
  • Requires repetitive movement
  • Requires bending at the elbows, at the knees, at the hip and bending forward
  • Exposure to work near moving mechanical parts, heavy equipment and moving vehicular traffic
  • Exposure to reasonable noise levels
  • Must be able to fulfill essential job function in a consistent state of alertness and safe manner
  • Ability to drive a vehicle in an alert and attentive manner with no conditions that may affect this

Basic Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • MUTCD knowledge
  • Ability to effectively communicate in English (written and verbal) with customers, TMI employeesand the public
  • Proficient in traffic control setup regulations
  • Basic math skills
  • Ability to work well with others in a team environment
  • Maintain a positive work environment

Education and Experience

  • High School Diploma (or equivalent)
  • Must have valid driver's license with clean driving record (must be insurable throughcompany insurance policy)
  • Preferred candidate must have:70% or better on pre-employment testing

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