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Railroad Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marmon

Tamper Operator - Railway Maintenance

Concord, NC

$19 - $25.25/hr

The operator must be familiar with railway maintenance standards and safety protocols. Railserve, Track Services is hiring dependable, safety focused Tamper Operator based in Indiana to support track ...

AK Steel

Shift Manager Railroad Maintenance

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Cleveland, OH Cleveland-Cliffs has an immediate opportunity for a Shift Manager Maintenance in the Railroad Department at the Cleveland Works facility. This front-line leadership position is ...

New

Transdev

Railroad Track Equipment Operator

Miami, FL · On-site

$72K/yr

Our South Florida operations maintain more than 70 miles of track, bridges, structures, facilities, and right-of-way along the South Florida Rail Corridor. We employ a dedicated workforce committed ...

Transdev

Railroad Track Equipment Operator

Miami, FL

$72K/yr

Our South Florida operations maintain more than 70 miles of track, bridges, structures, facilities, and right-of-way along the South Florida Rail Corridor. We employ a dedicated workforce committed ...

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Railroad Maintenance information

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$12

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$56

How much do railroad maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad maintenance in the United States is $31.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is railroad maintenance?

Railroad maintenance refers to the regular inspection, repair, and upkeep of railroad tracks, equipment, and infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient train operations. This includes tasks like replacing worn rails and ties, maintaining signals and switches, and clearing debris from tracks. Railroad maintenance workers use specialized tools and machinery to perform these duties, often working outdoors and sometimes during overnight hours. Their work is essential for preventing accidents and minimizing service interruptions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railroad maintenance worker?

To thrive as a Railroad Maintenance Worker, you need knowledge of track inspection, repair procedures, and mechanical aptitude, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with specialized tools such as track gauges, hydraulic jacks, and safety certifications like FRA compliance are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills help workers identify issues and coordinate repairs efficiently. These skills ensure the safety, reliability, and smooth operation of rail systems.

What are the most common challenges faced in a railroad maintenance role, and how are they typically addressed?

Railroad Maintenance professionals often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, addressing unexpected equipment failures, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Teams typically overcome these obstacles through thorough safety training, regular equipment inspections, and effective communication with dispatchers and other crews to coordinate track availability and minimize disruptions. Being adaptable, detail-oriented, and proactive in problem-solving helps ensure safe and efficient rail operations.

What is the difference between Railroad Maintenance vs Track Inspector?

AspectRailroad MaintenanceTrack Inspector
Primary RolePerforms repairs, repairs, and upkeep of railroad tracks, signals, and infrastructureInspects tracks for defects, safety issues, and compliance with regulations
Required CertificationsOSHA safety training, sometimes certifications in track maintenanceRailroad safety certifications, track inspection training
Work EnvironmentMaintenance yards, trackside, sometimes outdoors in various weather conditionsTrackside, rail yards, often outdoors and in variable weather
Employer & Industry UsageRailroads, transit agencies, freight companiesRailroads, transit authorities, safety agencies

Railroad Maintenance workers focus on repairing and maintaining tracks and infrastructure, while Track Inspectors primarily assess track conditions for safety and compliance. Both roles require safety certifications and work outdoors in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ—maintenance involves hands-on repairs, whereas inspection emphasizes evaluation and reporting.

How to get into railroad maintenance?

To enter railroad maintenance, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should be physically capable of working outdoors and handling heavy equipment. Relevant skills include knowledge of safety procedures, mechanical aptitude, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA safety training; on-the-job training is common, and some positions may require a valid driver's license or specialized certifications.
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Railroad Maintenance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Maintenance job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,662 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Supervisor - Railroad Maintenance

Omaha, NE • On-site

OMAHA ZOO GROUP
See more jobs at OMAHA ZOO GROUPexternal

$55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Supervisor - Railroad Maintenance
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Classification: Full-time
Hours: Working days will be Wednesday - Sunday or Thursday - Monday
Pay Rate: Range starts at $55,477/year
Summary:
This role provides technical leadership for the Omaha Zoo Railroad by building, leading, and continuously improving a comprehensive railroad maintenance program. This position is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair, restoration, and long-term reliability of the Zoo's railroad assets, including historic steam locomotives, diesel locomotive, passenger coaches, railroad track, switches, signals, crossings, and supporting infrastructure and reports to the Chief Campus Operations Officer.
This is a working supervisor position that combines hands-on technical expertise with team leadership. The Supervisor works alongside Railroad Maintenance Technicians and Seasonal Steam Locomotive Engineers while establishing maintenance standards, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), creating technical training programs, and implementing preventive maintenance strategies that promote safe, reliable, and efficient railroad operations.
This Supervisor serves as the Zoo's subject matter expert for railroad mechanical systems and infrastructure while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement. This position plays a critical role in preserving one of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium's signature guest experiences by developing a sustainable railroad maintenance program that supports current operations and future growth.
Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):
Railroad Maintenance Program Development and Leadership
  • Build, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive railroad maintenance program for the Omaha Zoo Railroad.
  • Establish maintenance standards, best practices, and procedures that support safety, reliability, operational readiness, and long-term asset preservation.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for railroad maintenance, inspections, emergency response, and safe work practices.
  • Develop preventive and predictive maintenance programs for locomotives, rolling stock, track infrastructure, switches, signals, and supporting systems.
  • Establish maintenance documentation standards, inspection procedures, equipment histories, and recordkeeping practices.
  • Evaluate industry best practices and incorporate improvements into railroad maintenance and operating procedures.
  • Develop technical training programs, qualification standards, and competency requirements for Railroad Maintenance Technicians and Seasonal Steam Locomotive Engineers.
  • Build a culture focused on safety, craftsmanship, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Supervision and Staff Development
  • Provide leadership, direction, and supervision to Railroad Maintenance Technicians.
  • Recruit, train, schedule, mentor, and supervise Seasonal Steam Locomotive Engineers.
  • Assign and prioritize daily, weekly, seasonal, and annual maintenance activities.
  • Provide coaching, feedback, and development opportunities to team members.
  • Conduct safety meetings, job briefings, and technical training sessions.
  • Promote cross-training and knowledge transfer to support long-term organizational sustainability.

Steam Locomotive and Railroad Equipment Maintenance
  • Plan, supervise, and participate in the inspection, maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, restoration, and overhaul of the Omaha Zoo Railroad.
  • Maintain and support Steam Locomotives No. 104 and No. 119, including:
    • Boilers and steam systems
    • Running gear
    • Valve gear
    • Lubrication systems
    • Braking systems
    • Mechanical components
    • Auxiliary equipment
  • Maintain diesel locomotive systems and passenger coaches.
  • Coordinate annual inspections, boiler inspections, testing, and required documentation.
  • Perform mechanical troubleshooting and determine appropriate repair strategies.
  • Coordinate welding, fabrication, machining, and specialized repair activities.
  • Maintain accurate maintenance records, inspection documentation, and repair histories.

Track, Signal, and Railroad Infrastructure
  • Develop and implement inspection and maintenance programs for railroad track, rail, ties, ballast, switches, crossings, drainage systems, signals, and right-of-way.
  • Coordinate track maintenance activities including tie replacement, rail repairs, switch adjustments, alignment, and surfacing.
  • Inspect and maintain railroad signals, switch mechanisms, warning devices, and operational safety systems.
  • Identify infrastructure deficiencies and develop recommendations for repair, replacement, and capital improvement projects.
  • Ensure railroad infrastructure supports safe and reliable daily operations.

Safety and Compliance
  • Ensure maintenance activities comply with OSHA requirements, applicable boiler inspection requirements, and organizational safety standards.
  • Develop and maintain Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), lockout/tagout procedures, and safe work practices.
  • Establish inspection processes and documentation practices that support safe railroad operations.
  • Participate in emergency response planning and incident investigations.
  • Promote a proactive safety culture through training, communication, and continuous improvement.

Planning, Budgeting, and Asset Management
  • Assist with preparation of annual operating and capital budgets.
  • Identify long-term repair, replacement, and restoration needs for railroad assets.
  • Forecast major maintenance projects and equipment requirements.
  • Manage inventory of spare parts, specialized tools, railroad materials, and critical components.
  • Coordinate work performed by vendors, contractors, consultants, and inspectors.
  • Recommend improvements that enhance reliability, efficiency, and lifecycle value.

Collaboration and Communication
  • Coordinate railroad maintenance activities with Guest Services to support daily train operations, special events, and operational needs.
  • Work collaboratively with the Ride Maintenance Supervisor on shared resources, staffing, and facility needs.
  • Partner with Campus Operations, Engineering, Planning & Design, and other departments on projects affecting railroad operations.
  • Communicate maintenance priorities, operational concerns, and project needs effectively with internal and external partners.

Other Responsibilities
  • Participate directly in maintenance, repair, and restoration activities.
  • Operate vehicles, railroad equipment, and specialized maintenance equipment associated with assigned responsibilities.
  • Support sustainability initiatives where practical.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Extensive knowledge of steam locomotive maintenance, repair, and operation.
  • Strong understanding of railroad mechanical systems, including boilers, steam systems, braking systems, running gear, valve gear, and rotating equipment.
  • Knowledge of railroad track maintenance, switches, crossings, and signal systems.
  • Experience with welding, fabrication, machining, and mechanical troubleshooting.
  • Ability to interpret technical manuals, drawings, specifications, and maintenance documentation.
  • Experience developing preventive maintenance programs, SOPs, training programs, and inspection procedures.
  • Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to balance hands-on maintenance responsibilities with program development and team leadership.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) preferred.

Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Technical degree, apprenticeship, or formal training in railroad maintenance, diesel technology, industrial maintenance, mechanical systems, welding, machining, or related field preferred.
  • Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience maintaining steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, railroad equipment, heavy industrial machinery, power generation equipment, or comparable mechanical systems.
  • Previous supervisory or lead maintenance experience preferred.
  • Experience developing maintenance programs, technical procedures, and employee training programs preferred.

Offered candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug screening, and possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
Preferred Certifications and Professional Experience:
The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining the Omaha Zoo Railroad's maintenance standards, operating procedures, technical training, and employee qualification programs.
Preferred qualifications include:
  • OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour Certification (Construction or General Industry).
  • Railroad mechanical, locomotive, diesel, heavy equipment, industrial maintenance, welding, machining, or boiler-related certifications.
  • Experience working with steam locomotive boilers, pressure vessels, or industrial boiler systems.
  • Experience with railroad track inspection, maintenance, and construction.
  • Experience developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), preventive maintenance programs, and technical training programs.
  • Knowledge of railroad operating practices, safety requirements, and historic railroad preservation.

Equivalent education, training, certifications, and demonstrated experience will be considered.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • Railroad Maintenance Technicians
  • Seasonal Part-Time Steam Locomotive Engineers

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
  • Work is performed in railroad maintenance facilities, machine shops, outdoor railroad environments, and throughout Zoo grounds.
  • Frequent exposure to weather extremes, steam, grease, oils, welding operations, dust, noise, and uneven terrain.
  • Requires climbing on locomotives and rail equipment, working beneath equipment, entering confined spaces, and working from ladders or elevated platforms.
  • Ability to walk significant distances throughout the railroad right-of-way and Zoo campus.
  • Ability to lift, push, pull, and move up to 50 pounds routinely and up to 75 pounds using appropriate lifting techniques or assistance.
  • Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, special events, and respond to operational emergencies as needed.

Success in This Position:
Success in this role will be measured by the ability to build and sustain a safe, organized, and reliable railroad maintenance program; establish clear maintenance and operating standards; develop and mentor staff; improve equipment reliability; and preserve the Omaha Zoo Railroad as a premier guest attraction for future generations.
DISCLAIMER
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain nor be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. Responsibilities may be modified at any time to meet the operational needs of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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