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Railroad Bridge Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Stripe

Full Stack Engineer, Bridge

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We believe stablecoin rails will become a foundational part of financial infrastructure, moving and ... Own projects from technical design through launch and iteration, often operating with substantial ...

Triwill Group

Full Stack Engineer, Bridge

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

We believe stablecoin rails will become a foundational part of financial infrastructure, moving and ... Own projects from technical design through launch and iteration, often operating with substantial ...

Placer County California

Equipment Operator

Auburn, CA · On-site

$31.47 - $39.28/hr

Equipment Operator This is the full journey level class within the Equipment Operator series. This ... bridge construction and repair, and guard rail installation and repair in a training capacity.

Placer County California

Equipment Operator

Tahoe City, CA · On-site

$31.47 - $39.28/hr

... bridge construction and repair, and guard rail installation and repair in a training capacity ... Vehicle codes and safety practices relevant to operating light and heavy vehicles and equipment.

Tutorperini

Structural Superintendent

Fresno, CA · On-site

$225K - $275K/yr

... Operating Section of the High-Speed Rail project in California's Central Valley. The CP1 ... Previous Superintendent experience on bridge, highway or transit projects * Knowledge, skills and ...

Tutor Perini

Quality Control Engineer

Fresno, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

... Operating Section of the High-Speed Rail project in California's Central Valley. The CP1 ... Inspect concrete steel reinforcement and form work on bridge decks, beams, box culverts, columns ...

Tutorperini

General Superintendent

Fresno, CA · On-site

$240K - $290K/yr

... Operating Section of the High-Speed Rail project in California's Central Valley. The CP1 ... Previous Superintendent experience on bridge, highway or transit projects * Knowledge, skills and ...

Tutor Perini

Structural Superintendent

Fresno, CA · On-site

$225K - $275K/yr

... Operating Section of the High-Speed Rail project in California's Central Valley. The CP1 ... Previous Superintendent experience on bridge, highway or transit projects * Knowledge, skills and ...

Tutor Perini

General Superintendent

Fresno, CA · On-site

$240K - $290K/yr

... Operating Section of the High-Speed Rail project in California's Central Valley. The CP1 ... Previous Superintendent experience on bridge, highway or transit projects * Knowledge, skills and ...

Tutorperini

Quality Control Engineer

Fresno, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

... Operating Section of the High-Speed Rail project in California's Central Valley. The CP1 ... Inspect concrete steel reinforcement and form work on bridge decks, beams, box culverts, columns ...

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Railroad Bridge Operator information

What is a railroad bridge operator?

Railroad Bridge Operators are professionals responsible for controlling and maintaining movable railroad bridges, such as drawbridges or lift bridges, to ensure the safe passage of both trains and boats. Their duties include monitoring bridge operations, coordinating with train and boat crews, and performing safety checks. They play a critical role in preventing accidents and ensuring that rail and water traffic move smoothly and efficiently. Railroad Bridge Operators often work in shifts and must be attentive to signals, schedules, and communication protocols. They are trained to handle emergency situations and follow strict safety regulations.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Bridge Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, safety protocols, and railroad operations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with control systems, communication radios, and safety signaling equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication skills are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the safe and efficient movement of trains and vessels, preventing accidents and maintaining operational reliability.

What are some common challenges faced by railroad bridge operators during their shifts?

Railroad Bridge Operators often face challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, which can affect visibility and bridge mechanisms. They must stay vigilant for unexpected train schedules, mechanical issues, or communication gaps between train crews and maritime traffic. Additionally, operators typically work in shifts that may include nights, weekends, or holidays, requiring adaptability to irregular hours. Effective problem-solving skills and clear communication with dispatchers and other operators are essential to ensure the safe and timely operation of the bridge.

What is the difference between Railroad Bridge Operator vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectRailroad Bridge OperatorSignal Maintainer
CredentialsTypically requires safety training, certifications in operating machinery, and sometimes a commercial driver’s licenseRequires electrical or electronic certifications, safety training, and knowledge of signaling systems
Work EnvironmentWorks at bridge sites, often outdoors, operating and inspecting movable bridgesWorks in control rooms or on-site, maintaining signaling equipment and systems
Employer & Industry UsageRailroads, transit agencies, freight companiesRailroads, transit authorities, signaling system providers

Railroad Bridge Operators and Signal Maintainers both work within the railroad industry, often requiring safety certifications and technical knowledge. While Bridge Operators focus on operating and inspecting movable bridges, Signal Maintainers specialize in maintaining signaling systems. Both roles are essential for safe and efficient rail operations, but they differ in daily tasks and technical focus.

What are popular job titles related to Railroad Bridge Operator jobs in California?

For Railroad Bridge Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Railroad Bridge Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad Bridge Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Railroad Bridge Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Railroad Bridge Operator job openings:

Railroad Bridge Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Bridge Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, and 94% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Railroad Safety Inspector (Track)- BIL DIRECT HIRE- SME

Federal Railroad Administration

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$89K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Inspect railroad track systems, components, and structures to identify safety deficiencies and ensure compliance with federal standards.

  • Conduct accident investigations, analyze safety issues, and produce reports on defective track conditions and safety violations.

  • Assess and evaluate railroad safety programs, inspection activities, and safety complaints to maintain safety standards.

Job description

The position(s) are located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Track and Structures Division. The Track and Structures Division is responsible for executing and administering the track and structures safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevants to railroad track, track configuration, track components, rail integrity, bridge and structures, and railroad workplace safety.

PLEASE NOTE: This vacancy has been amended to add additional locations. 

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements.

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector (Track), the Qualifications Standard states you MUST have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas: 

  • Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment.
  • General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry.
  • Railroad accident investigation techniques.
  • Skill in written an oral communication.
  • Knowledge of railroad track system construction, maintenance, testing, or inspection techniques;
  • Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of various track system configurations; AND
  • Knowledge of Federal railroad track safety standards.

For the GS-12, to qualify, your experience should include all of the above plus at least one year of specialize experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11, which includes the following:

  • Experience applying Federal Railroad track safety standards/regulations for the purpose of inspecting and identifying track safety deficiencies.
  • Experience ensuring railroad compliance with federal regulations by auditing railroad inspections activities, conducting inspections, assessing safety complaints, and performing accident investigations.
  • Experience producing electronic and automated track inspection and violation reports that describe defective track conditions, narrative accident / incident reports and present safety related information to railroad managers, and federal and state stakeholders.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  1. Accident Investigation - Knowledge of guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with an accident investigation including preservation of accident scene, root cause analysis, and evidence detection and handling.
  2. Planning and Evaluating - Organize work, sets priorities, and determine resource requirements; determine short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinate with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
  3. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  4. Oral Communication - Make clear and convincing oral presentations. Listen effectively; clarify information as needed.
  5. Written Communication - Write in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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