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Railhead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Railhead information

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$11

$16

$27

How much do railhead jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for railhead in the United States is $16.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a railhead?

A railhead is a point on a railway where cargo or passengers are transferred between trains and other forms of transportation, such as trucks or ships. Railheads are crucial for logistics, supply chains, and military operations, serving as key hubs for the distribution and movement of goods and personnel. In some contexts, the term may also refer to the furthest point reached by a railway construction project. Their location and capacity can significantly impact the efficiency of transportation networks.

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

To thrive as a Railhead (railway yard worker), you need strong knowledge of rail operations, safety procedures, and physical fitness, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with rail switching equipment, signaling systems, and sometimes certifications in rail safety are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating safely with crew members. These skills ensure efficient train movements, safety compliance, and smooth rail yard operations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at a railhead, and how can they be managed?

Professionals working at a railhead often encounter challenges such as coordinating complex logistics, managing tight schedules, and ensuring the safe transfer of goods and passengers. These roles require strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt quickly to unexpected changes, such as delays or equipment malfunctions. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as railhead staff regularly collaborate with train crews, maintenance teams, and logistics partners. Staying proactive and maintaining clear protocols can help manage these challenges and ensure efficient railhead operations.

What is the difference between Railhead vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectRailheadSignal Maintainer
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in track safety and maintenanceRequires certifications in electrical systems and signal operation
Work EnvironmentTrackside, outdoor, often in harsh weather conditionsSignal control rooms, electrical cabinets, outdoor and indoor locations
Industry UsageRailroad companies, transit agenciesRailroad companies, transit agencies
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared due to track maintenance rolesRelated but focuses on signaling systems

Railhead workers primarily focus on track maintenance and safety, working directly on the rails and ties. Signal Maintainers specialize in electrical and signaling systems that ensure train movements are safe and coordinated. Both roles are essential in railway operations, often working in similar environments but with different technical focuses.

More about Railhead jobs

What cities are hiring for Railhead jobs?

Cities with the most Railhead job openings:

What states have the most Railhead jobs?

States with the most job openings for Railhead jobs include:

Infographic showing various Railhead job openings in the United States 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 $34,865 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator (Transportation)

Akima, LLC

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$30.17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago


Akima rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

376th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

The Heavy Equipment Operator operates heavy equipment such as RT 240 Kalmar or RTCHs, forklifts, tractor/trailers and various types of military equipment/vehicles. Equipment is used to load/unload, transport or relocate military equipment/vehicles/cargo for/from multiple forms of transport (i.e. rail, truck/trailer, etc.). Heavy Equipment Operator may read and interpret grade and slope signs, may grease, adjust and make emergency repairs to equipment.
Responsibilities
  • Keeps the Heavy Equipment operator lead and/or Transportation Manager updated on missions and equipment status, etc.
  • Unloads vehicles and equipment from commercial carriers in a timely manner so as to avoid detention charges. Loads and unloads conveyances with or without helpers, and moves freight by forklift, handcart, or other manual equipment.
  • Receives turn-in vehicles from customer units in accordance with wheeled and tracked vehicle turn-in instructions IAW External SOP.
  • May perform a variety of warehousing duties which require an understanding of the establishment's storage plan. Work involves most of the following: Verifying materials (or merchandise) against receiving documents, noting and reporting discrepancies and obvious damages; routing materials to prescribed storage locations; storing, stacking, or palletizing materials in accordance with prescribed storage methods; rearranging and taking inventory of stored materials; examining stored materials and reporting deterioration and damage; removing material from storage and preparing it for shipment.
  • Unloads and stores vehicles, containers and equipment marked for units when the unit is not available to receive the equipment due to training, deployment, or other operational reasons. (Unloading at the railhead may include removing chains and dunnage before vehicle/equipment can be moved).
  • Prepares vehicles for operation by performing pre-trip inspections that include, but are not limited to, battery hookup, fueling, unmasking exhausts, air intakes and glass areas, checking for proper fluid and fluid levels and tire pressure.
  • May operate Non-tactical and Tactical military equipment: Commercial vehicles less than 2 ½ Ton; Tactical vehicle 5 Ton and larger or transport of hazardous material Tracked vehicles; Forklifts, Rough Terrain Container Handler (RTCH), or other Material Handling Equipment (MHE). May grease, adjust and make emergency repairs to equipment.
  • Operates vehicles for the purpose of transporting Government property to storage locations, maintenance facilities, DLA-DS, reclamation, and disposal areas.
  • Conforms to all installation and State rules and regulations and ensures that seatbelts are worn in vehicles so equipped and use PPE as required.
  • Maintains mileage, tonnage, and movement records as input to weekly and monthly activity reports.
  • Performs warehouse worker duties as directed by the supervisor.
  • Performs preventive maintenance in accordance with vehicle requirements and established procedures.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • No specific educational requirements.
  • Must be knowledgeable of local and Fort Carson driving laws and safety rules.
  • Must have one-year experience in operating commercial vehicles is required to drive a 5-Ton or larger equipment/vehicles with hazardous material.
  • Experience operating the RT 240 Kalmar/RTCH's and 36K forklift.
  • Knowledge in warehouse storage operations a plus.
  • Must possess and continuously maintain a current State of Colorado Driver's License prior to start date or by 30 days after employment.
  • Must be US Citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) to obtain a CAC.
  • Must receive favorable results for a background check, drug testing and motor vehicle report results.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Class A CDL and a current Medical Certification.

Job ID
2026-24440
Work Type
On-Site
Pay Range
$30.17
Health & Welfare
$5.09
Benefits
SCA - The company offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) and a range of other voluntary benefits. Vacation, holiday and sick Leave offered will be as defined under the DOL's Wage Determination.
Company Description
Work Where it Matters
Akima Facilities Operations (AFO), an Akima company, is not just another federal facilities contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.
At AFO, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.
For our shareholders, AFO provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.
For our government customers, AFO sustains mission readiness and ensures quality of life by maintaining high value assets and operations at peak performance and successfully manages these operations through accurately forecasting, managing, and aggressively controlling costs.
As an AFO employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

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About Akima

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As an Alaska Native Corporation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Akima is dedicated to delivering superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for our Iñupiat shareholders. Akima maintains a portfolio of small businesses, 8(a) companies, and operating companies that deliver simplified and accelerated access to the products and services agencies need to ensure mission success.

Industry

Specialty trade contractors

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

1995

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