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Railcar Operator Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

OL&B Railway

Welder / Railcar Repair

Lincoln, NE · On-site

NEBCO is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business, with more than 1,100 employees ... Railcar body defects, safety appliances including hand holds, sill steps, grab iron, brake ...

OL&B Railway

Welder / Railcar Repair

Lincoln, NE · On-site

NEBCO is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business, with more than 1,100 employees ... Railcar body defects, safety appliances including hand holds, sill steps, grab iron, brake ...

OL&B Railway

Switching / Transload Operator

Lincoln, NE · On-site

Works with a switch crew to perform safe railcar switching movements including, roll by inspection ... Climbs onto railcars, operating straps, opening and closing railcar doors, and operating with ramps.

OL&B Railway

Switching / Transload Operator

Lincoln, NE · On-site

Works with a switch crew to perform safe railcar switching movements including, roll by inspection ... Climbs onto railcars, operating straps, opening and closing railcar doors, and operating with ramps.

Amrize

Terminal Operator

Fremont, NE · On-site

Terminal Operator | Req ID: 17719 | HR Contact: Kyle Jon KEMPEN | Location: Fremont Terminal NE ... railcar mover, pneumatic door opener, boot lifts, hoisting equipment, etc.). * Processes Bill of ...

Eco Energy

Loadout Operator

Beatrice, NE · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Knowledge and experience with railcar loading equipment Essential Functions : * Reliable and willing to work overtime * High degree of accuracy in operations * Able to multitask to meet deadlines

Eco Energy LLC

Loadout Operator

Beatrice, NE · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Knowledge and experience with railcar loading equipment Essential Functions: * Reliable and willing to work overtime * High degree of accuracy in operations * Able to multitask to meet deadlines

Amrize

Terminal Operator

Fremont, NE · On-site

Terminal Operator | Req ID: 17719 | HR Contact: Kyle Jon KEMPEN| Location: Fremont Terminal NE ... railcar mover, pneumatic door opener, boot lifts, hoisting equipment, etc.). * Processes Bill of ...

OL&B Railway

General Application

Lincoln, NE · On-site

OL&B Railway, a NEBCO Company, is a short line railway, specializing in transloading, railcar ... NEBCO is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business, with more than 1,100 employees ...

OL&B Railway

General Application

Lincoln, NE · On-site

OL&B Railway, a NEBCO Company, is a short line railway, specializing in transloading, railcar ... NEBCO is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business, with more than 1,100 employees ...

Norfolk Iron & Metal Co.

Warehouse

Norfolk, NE · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Receiving railcar shipments and reading receiving reports/bills of lading * Picking/Banding/Stacking Steel Bundles * Loading Trailers - Includes Operation of Various Machinery * Operating Flat Lasers ...

Norfolk Iron and Metal

Warehouse

Norfolk, NE · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Receiving railcar shipments and reading receiving reports/bills of lading * Picking/Banding/Stacking Steel Bundles * Loading Trailers - Includes Operation of Various Machinery * Operating Flat Lasers ...

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Railcar Operator information

See Nebraska salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do railcar operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for railcar operator in Nebraska is $18.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a railcar operator?

Railcar operators are professionals responsible for the safe and efficient movement of railcars within rail yards, industrial sites, or along tracks. Their duties often include loading and unloading cargo, coupling and uncoupling railcars, inspecting equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Railcar operators work closely with other railroad staff to coordinate train movements and may also perform routine maintenance on rail equipment. This role requires strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and knowledge of railroad operations. Training is typically provided on the job, and safety is a top priority in this profession.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railcar operator?

To thrive as a Railcar Operator, you need a solid understanding of rail operations, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant on-the-job training. Familiarity with railcar switching systems, hand signals, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications such as Railroad Worker Safety Training are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for coordinating with other crew members and ensuring safe operations. These skills and qualifications are vital to prevent accidents, maintain efficiency, and ensure the safe transport of goods or passengers.

What are some common challenges faced by railcar operators and how can they be managed on the job?

Railcar Operators often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple teams, adhering to strict safety protocols, and handling varying weather conditions. Staying organized and maintaining clear communication with dispatchers, maintenance crews, and other operators is essential for smooth operations. Additionally, being proactive about safety checks and familiarizing oneself with emergency procedures can help mitigate risks and ensure efficient workflow. Adaptability and attention to detail are key traits that help Railcar Operators manage these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Railcar Operator vs Locomotive Engineer?

AspectRailcar OperatorLocomotive Engineer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety trainingHigh school diploma; locomotive engineer certification
Work EnvironmentRail yards, loading/unloading sites, tracksLocomotive cabs, train routes, rail yards
Industry UsageFreight companies, railroads, industrial facilitiesRailroads, freight and passenger train services
Job FocusOperate railcars for loading, unloading, and movementOperate and control locomotives to move trains

While both roles involve working on trains, a Railcar Operator primarily handles the movement and positioning of individual railcars, focusing on loading and unloading operations. A Locomotive Engineer operates the locomotive itself, controlling train movement over routes. Both roles require safety training and are essential in freight and rail transport industries, but they differ in responsibilities and equipment operated.

What do you need to be a railcar operator?

To become a railcar operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and a commercial driver's license (CDL) with a hazardous materials endorsement. They must also pass background checks, drug tests, and receive on-the-job training to operate railcars safely in a rail yard or on tracks. Physical fitness and good communication skills are also important for this role.
Railcar Operator jobs near you

Railcar Repair Technician 1

Grand Island, NE • On-site

APP RAILCAR GROUP
See more jobs at APP RAILCAR GROUPexternal

Full-time

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

Job description

Summary Description
Guardian Rail is proud to operate one of the country's leading freight rail services and transportation companies with a large network of freight and tank car repair facilities, a nationwide network of running repair agents, and a rail services division that operates short line railroads and contract switching and transloading sites.
We currently have Repair Technician positions available. Welding experience is required. Incumbents will use mechanical skills to safely inspect and repair railcars to ensure mechanical and operational integrity per customer and industry specifications. We seek candidates with rail industry or other heavy industrial experience, including welding or mechanical assembly.
We offer a sign on/retention bonus of $1,500, payable over the first 12 months of employment and a competitive pay scale based on relevant skills and experience.
Responsible for the repair of various types of railcars and/or tank cars. Incumbents will use mechanical skills to safely inspect and repair railcars to industry and customer specifications. Candidates must have a safety and quality mindset and enjoy hands-on work in year-round outdoor conditions.
Duties and Responsibilities-Welding Experience is required.
  • Perform railcar repairs in compliance with FRA and AAR interchange rules
  • Conduct pre and post inspection of all assigned railcars
  • Comply fully with all safety protocols including in house and OSHA rules, regulations and procedures
  • Comply fully with the Company's quality program by conforming to in-house processes and required AAR and FRA rules and regulations
  • Keep work area in a clean and orderly manner to comply with Guardian Rail, OSHA, and environmental rules and regulations
  • Follow written and verbal directions
  • Work effectively in a team environment
  • Possess a thorough understanding of railcar, components, and/or shop work order
  • Understand inventory control
  • Assist in disassembly of damaged railcars
  • Perform repairs such as, but not limited to, basic mechanics, grinding, and touch-up painting and decaling on various types of railcars or tank cars as required
  • Set up and operate various hand and power tools such as, but not limited to, air arc, plasma cutting, Huck and welding machines and processes, and oxyfuel operation in heating and cutting processes
  • Perform interior railcar cleaning
  • Complete documented training to set up and operate or drive equipment such as, but not limited to: forklift, man-lift, crane, backhoe, skid loader, hoist, or hydraulic boom
  • Meet the requirements of AWS D15.1 for freight cars utilizing GMAW (Hardwire), FCAW (Flux Core), and/or SMAW (Stick) welding on carbon steel as well as our internal welding technology training and examination

#Indeed123
Qualifications-Welding Experience is Required
  • High-school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
  • Prior experience as a Carman or Railcar Repair Technician highly desirable
  • Must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals and blueprints
  • Must possess basic mechanical knowledge and experience with hand & power tools, including heavier air and electric powered tools and cutting torches
  • Must enjoy outdoor, physical, hands on work with frequent standing, climbing, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling and lifting required
  • Certified E7018 welder preferred
  • Must be able to write routine reports and correspondence and speak and communicate effectively
  • Must possess basic math skills and work and understand simple mathematical concepts
  • Must possess reasoning ability to solve practical problems
  • Must be able to fully pass the fitness-for-duty examination, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screenings

Physical Demands & Work Environment
Our physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, dry/arid, and dusty conditions. The environment requires working in close proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, in high and low precarious places, as well as in confined spaces.
The work type is best described as heavy, hands-on mechanical work. Work is very physical, and without proper work planning can result in out-of-position pushing, pulling, and lifting. Proper body mechanics, positioning, and lifting techniques can be very important. Employees are urged to seek help when needed with heavier tasks and to use lifting equipment when and where necessary. The positioning of the work being performed can change very frequently.
Various heavier air and electric-powered tools such as car jacks, impact wrenches, and grinders are used daily. Work also requires frequent use of hand wrenches, hammers, chisels, socket wrenches, and ladders. Cutting torches are also used with welding equipment upon qualification of the employee.
  • Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, smelling, and visual acuity, with color and depth perception
  • Ability to work in a confined space
  • Required to use personal protective equipment as environmental conditions dictate

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