1

Railroad Entry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Railroad Operator

Columbia, MO ยท On-site

$23.26 - $33.96/hr

Performs computer data entry. * Inspects and maintains various portions of railroad infrastructure. * Serves on call 24/7 as assigned. * Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Entry Detail Specialty

Jonesboro, AR ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Trinity Rail is hiring a Entry Detail Specialist at our Jonesboro plant. Our products are an integral part of the supply chain that helps fuel our lives and our economy. Over the last 85 years ...

Entry Detail Specialty

Jonesboro, AR ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Trinity Rail is hiring a Entry Detail Specialist at our Jonesboro plant. Our products are an integral part of the supply chain that helps fuel our lives and our economy. Over the last 85 years ...

Senior-level Entry Writer with 3-5 years of entry writing experience and familiarity with U.S ... rail, trucking, warehousing and distribution, customs brokerage, cargo insurance and more. Company ...

Senior-level Entry Writer with 3-5 years of entry writing experience and familiarity with U.S ... rail, trucking, warehousing and distribution, customs brokerage, cargo insurance and more. Company ...

Experience in Rail service, field emergency response, Hazmat clean-up, confined space entry Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer. Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal ...

Experience in Rail service, field emergency response, Hazmat clean-up, confined space entry Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer. Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Railroad Entry information

See salary details

$20.5K

$45.4K

$92K

How much do railroad entry jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad entry in the United States is $45,361.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $50,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Railroad Entry vs Railroad Conductor?

AspectRailroad EntryRailroad Conductor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, safety trainingHigh school diploma, safety training, certification
Work EnvironmentRail yards, maintenance areas, track inspectionOnboard trains, station platforms, trackside
Employer & Industry UsageRailroad companies, freight and passenger servicesRailroad companies, freight and passenger services

Railroad Entry roles typically involve basic safety training and entry-level tasks in rail yards or maintenance areas. Railroad Conductors have additional responsibilities like overseeing train operations and require certification. Both roles are essential in the railroad industry, but Conductors have more operational duties and often more experience or training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Railroad Entry Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Railroad Entry Worker, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with railroad safety protocols, hand tools, and sometimes certifications like OSHA or FRA training are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for working safely and efficiently. These abilities ensure safe operations, reduce accidents, and contribute to smooth railroad functioning.

What are railroad entry jobs?

Railroad entry jobs refer to positions that are suitable for individuals starting their careers in the railroad industry. These roles often include jobs like track laborer, conductor trainee, signal maintainer apprentice, or freight car repairer. Entry-level positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, and provide on-the-job training to develop skills necessary for advancement. Working in railroad entry jobs can be physically demanding and may involve working outdoors in various weather conditions. However, they offer good pay, benefits, and opportunities for career growth within the railroad sector.

What are some common challenges faced by new employees in a railroad entry-level position, and how can they be addressed?

New employees in railroad entry-level positions often face challenges such as adapting to irregular hours, working outdoors in various weather conditions, and mastering strict safety protocols. Building physical stamina and paying close attention to safety training can help ease the transition. Additionally, seeking guidance from experienced coworkers and asking questions fosters a supportive learning environment, which is vital for both personal development and team safety.
More about Railroad Entry jobs
What states have the most Railroad Entry jobs? States with the most job openings for Railroad Entry jobs include:
Infographic showing various Railroad Entry job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 85% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,361 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Railroad Operator

City of Columbia, MO

Columbia, MO โ€ข On-site

$23.26 - $33.96/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Applicant View of Posting
Posting Number
4219P
Position Title
Railroad Operator
Department
Utilities
Job Code
02626
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Union Code/Affiliation
Unrepresented
Division
WL RAILROAD
Job Description Summary
The purpose of this job is to operate rail locomotives in a safe and timely manner. Performs a variety of tasks in rail and maintenance. Inspects and maintains tracks, locomotives, and signals.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities - The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description
  • Serves as locomotive engineer, train conductor, and dispatcher of trains and maintenance crews.

  • Operates railroad locomotive as a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) certified locomotive engineer, ensures the safe operation of trains, and serves as designated supervisor of certified locomotive engineers.

  • Writes track warrants for trains and maintenance crews.

  • Ensures compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), and City of Columbia safety rules and regulations.

  • Delivers customer service.

  • Performs computer data entry.

  • Inspects and maintains various portions of railroad infrastructure.

  • Serves on call 24/7 as assigned.

  • Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities
No supervisory authority. Work may require providing guidance and training to others.
Human Collaboration and Job Impact - This area describes the personal interaction with others outside direct reporting relationships as well as the impact the job has on organization, the department or unit objectives, the output of services, or employee or public satisfaction
  • Work may require providing advice to others outside direct reporting relationships on specific problems or general policies. Contact may require the consideration of different points of view to reach agreement. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.

  • Interactions have significant impact on the organization in terms of time, money, or public/employee relations.

Fiscal Responsibility
Position has no fiscal responsibility.
Education and Experience - An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered
Education and Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.

  • Certification program and less than 2 years of college.

  • 1 to 3 years' experience in rail operations and maintenance

Licenses or Certifications
  • Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification.

  • Valid driver's license.

  • Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with trailer endorsement within six months of hire.

  • Certified Conductor, Locomotive Engineer Certificate and Railroad Track Inspector certification within 6 months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position
Knowledge of:
  • Principles and practices or railroad and switching operations.

  • General office practices and administrative procedures, records management, and administration techniques and procedures.

  • Relevant laws and regulations pertaining to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), and City of Columbia safety standards.

  • Proper operation of railroad and track maintenance equipment and tools.

Skill in:
  • Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience.

  • Applying active listening and asking questions for understanding.

  • Operating and conducting a railroad locomotive and train.

Ability to:
  • Handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

  • Recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.

  • Provide high levels of effective customer service.

  • Organize and prioritize work.

  • Maintain detailed and accurate records.

  • Use a computer, software, phone and related office equipment.

  • Focus on tasks.

  • Work on-call as assigned and respond at all hours of the day/night.

  • Work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

Work Environment - Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job
Work Environment
  • Office or similar indoor environment - Frequently or Often

  • Outdoor environment - Frequently or Often

  • Street environment (near moving traffic) - Frequently or Often

  • Vehicle - Frequently or Often

  • Warehouse environment - Frequently or Often

  • Shop environment - Sometimes

  • Right of way environment - Frequently or Often

Exposures
  • Extreme cold (below 32 degrees) - Sometimes

  • Extreme heat (above 100 degrees) - Sometimes

  • Moving mechanical parts - Frequently or Often

  • Fumes or airborne particles - Frequently or Often

  • Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances - Sometimes

  • Loud noises (85+decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction) - Frequently or Often

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 essential functions.
  • This position involves frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards and majority of work is performed outside or with exposure to risk.

  • Incumbents may be required to exert up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

  • Incumbents required to sit long distances over rough terrain in all types of weather conditions.

  • Incumbents, required to grasp, push, stand, walk, drive, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb/balance, operate mechanical equipment, and move up and down from/to sitting position on the floor.

  • Incumbents must have clarity of vision and ability to identify and distinguish colors.

Hours/Days
Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Starting Salary
$23.26/hr to $33.96/hr minimum to maximum; commensurate with training and experience
Pay Grade
107
Number of Positions Available
1
Deadline to Apply
06/10/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Notice to Applicants
Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call 573.874.CITY (2489)
TTY: 711 (MO RELAY)
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING
The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program