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Railroad Management Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Federal Railroad Administration

IA

$89K/yr

A Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) provides technical expertise and direction in th execution and ... managers, and federal and state stakeholders. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your ...

Federal Railroad Administration

IA

$89K/yr

A Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) provides technical expertise and direction in th execution and ... managers, and federal and state stakeholders. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your ...

Railcrew Xpress Llc

Area Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Additionally, this position is responsible for maintaining positive and professional relationship with the railroad management at the location. This position is responsible for the 24/7 service and ...

RAILCREW XPRESS LLC

Area Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Additionally, this position is responsible for maintaining positive and professional relationship with the railroad management at the location. This position is responsible for the 24/7 service and ...

Department of Transportation

IA · On-site

$89K/yr

A Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) provides technical expertise and direction in th execution and ... managers, and federal and state stakeholders. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your ...

Department of Transportation

IA · On-site

$89K/yr

A Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) provides technical expertise and direction in th execution and ... managers, and federal and state stakeholders. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your ...

RailPros

$14 - $18.50/hr

Maintain a high level of communication with the RWIC supervisors and managers regarding the various ... Able to install a railroad derail and apply locking device * Proficiency with electronic ...

RailPros

$14 - $18.50/hr

Maintain a high level of communication with the RWIC supervisors and managers regarding the various ... Able to install a railroad derail and apply locking device * Proficiency with electronic ...

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All JobsRailroad Management JobsRailroad Management Jobs in Iowa

Railroad Management information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$22

$30

How much do railroad management jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad management in Iowa is $22.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $26.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is railroad management?

Railroad management involves overseeing the operations, safety, maintenance, and strategic planning of railway systems. Managers in this field ensure that trains run efficiently and on schedule, oversee personnel, manage budgets, and implement policies to comply with regulations. They may also coordinate freight and passenger services, address logistical challenges, and work to improve the overall performance of railroad operations. Effective railroad management is essential for safe, reliable, and profitable rail transportation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in railroad management?

To thrive in Railroad Management, you need a solid understanding of transportation logistics, regulatory compliance, and operational oversight, often supported by a degree in business, engineering, or transportation management. Familiarity with industry-specific software such as dispatching systems, asset tracking platforms, and safety management systems is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set standout managers apart in this field. These competencies are essential for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective railroad operations while maintaining compliance and team coordination.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in railroad management roles?

Professionals in railroad management often navigate challenges such as coordinating complex logistics, ensuring safety compliance, and managing schedules affected by weather or equipment issues. They work closely with diverse teams including engineers, conductors, and maintenance crews to keep operations running smoothly. Adapting to new technology and regulatory changes is also a regular part of the role. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to address these dynamic day-to-day situations and maintain efficient rail operations.

What is the difference between Railroad Management vs Railroad Operations?

AspectRailroad ManagementRailroad Operations
CredentialsTypically requires management experience, industry knowledge, and sometimes a degree in transportation or businessRequires technical skills, certifications in safety and operations, and experience in train handling or maintenance
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, overseeing planning, compliance, and strategic decisionsField-based, involving train dispatching, maintenance, and operational tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by railroad companies for leadership roles managing overall operationsUsed by railroads for frontline operational roles ensuring safety and efficiency

Railroad Management focuses on strategic planning, compliance, and overseeing overall railroad operations, often in an office setting. Railroad Operations involves hands-on tasks like train dispatching, safety checks, and maintenance, typically in the field. Both roles are essential for a functioning railroad but differ in responsibilities and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Railroad Management jobs in Iowa?

For Railroad Management jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Railroad Management jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad Management jobs in Iowa are:

Railroad Management jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Management job openings in Iowa 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 $47,604 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

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

Des Moines, IA

Federal Railroad Administration
Public Administration • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Federal Railroad Administrationexternal

$89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

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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