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Railroad Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Yusen Terminals LLC

Operations Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Operations Manager (OM) Yusen Terminals LLC ("YTI", based in Terminal Island (Los Angeles), CA, is ... As a full-service marine terminal, YTI provides modern technology, equipment, on-dock rail, storage ...

Herzog

Manager of Field Operations

San Jose, CA · On-site

$152K - $160K/yr

Exercises leadership and supervision over rail operations which are composed of operations managers, and TE&Y. Provide counsel and guidance of, and render performance appraisal evaluation of ...

Career Movement

Operations Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site

They are looking to add two Operations Managers to lead the day-to-day supervision of terminal ... rail functions. Make real-time decisions on labor assignments, shift extensions, and equipment ...

Herzog

Manager of Field Operations

San Jose, CA · On-site

$152K - $160K/yr

Exercises leadership and supervision over rail operations which are composed of operations managers, and TE&Y. Provide counsel and guidance of, and render performance appraisal evaluation of ...

Career Movement

Operations Manager

Oakland, CA

They are looking to add two Operations Managers to lead the day-to-day supervision of terminal ... rail functions. Make real-time decisions on labor assignments, shift extensions, and equipment ...

Career Movement

Operations Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site

They are looking to add two Operations Managers to lead the day-to-day supervision of terminal ... rail functions. Make real-time decisions on labor assignments, shift extensions, and equipment ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

... operations relevant to motive power and equipment. Qualifications: To meet the minimum ... managers, and federal and state stakeholders. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

... operations relevant to motive power and equipment. Qualifications: To meet the minimum ... managers, and federal and state stakeholders. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

... operations relevant to motive power and equipment. Qualifications: To meet the minimum ... managers, and federal and state stakeholders. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your ...

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All JobsRailroad Operations JobsRailroad Operations Manager JobsRailroad Operations Manager Jobs in California

Railroad Operations Manager information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$62.6K

$116.9K

How much do railroad operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad operations manager in California is $62,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Railroad Operations Manager do?

A Railroad Operations Manager oversees the daily operations of railway systems, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of trains, personnel, and cargo. They coordinate schedules, manage staff, and monitor compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Additionally, they troubleshoot operational issues, optimize resource allocation, and collaborate with other departments to maintain smooth railway operations. Their work is crucial for minimizing delays, improving service reliability, and ensuring the safety of both passengers and freight.

What is the difference between Railroad Operations Manager vs Railroad Dispatcher?

AspectRailroad Operations ManagerRailroad Dispatcher
CredentialsExperience in rail operations, sometimes certifications in logistics or transportation managementTraining in dispatching, communication, and railroad safety protocols
Work EnvironmentOversees entire operations, manages teams, and coordinates across departmentsWorks in control centers, communicates with train crews and field personnel
Industry UsageUsed in managerial roles overseeing operationsUsed in daily train movement coordination

The Railroad Operations Manager focuses on overseeing overall rail operations, managing teams, and strategic planning. In contrast, the Railroad Dispatcher handles real-time train movements and communication. Both roles are essential in rail industry operations but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by a Railroad Operations Manager, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Railroad Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating complex schedules, ensuring safety compliance, and managing unexpected delays due to weather or equipment issues. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are key to addressing these challenges. Proactively collaborating with dispatchers, maintenance crews, and logistics teams can help minimize disruptions and keep operations running smoothly. Staying updated on industry regulations and leveraging technology for real-time tracking also contribute to effective problem-solving in this dynamic environment.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Operations Manager, you need in-depth knowledge of rail operations, transportation logistics, and safety regulations, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in transportation management or a related field. Familiarity with dispatching software, scheduling systems, and federal compliance tools is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication skills help manage diverse teams and respond effectively to operational challenges. These competencies ensure efficient, safe, and reliable rail service while maintaining regulatory compliance and high team performance.
What are popular job titles related to Railroad Operations Manager jobs in California? For Railroad Operations Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Railroad Operations Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Railroad Operations Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Railroad Operations Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Railroad Operations Manager job openings:
Railroad Operations Manager jobs near you
Regional General Manager - Railroad Operations

Regional General Manager - Railroad Operations

Hulcher Services, Inc

Bloomington, CA • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Regional General Manager - Railroad Operations & Emergency Response
Lead Multiple Railroad Operations. Drive Safety. Grow the Business.
Hulcher Services is seeking an experienced Regional General Manager to oversee multiple railroad service divisions across an assigned territory. This is a high-impact executive leadership role responsible for directing railroad operations, derailment response, mechanical operations, safety, sales, and financial performance.
We're looking for a proven leader who has successfully managed multiple locations, led large field operations, responded to railroad derailments and emergency incidents, developed high-performing management teams, and delivered strong operational and financial results.
If you've built successful railroad operations while maintaining exceptional safety and customer relationships, we want to hear from you.
What You'll Lead
  • Multi-site railroad operations across an assigned region
  • Railroad derailment and emergency response operations
  • Environmental remediation and industrial services
  • Sales growth, customer retention, and market expansion
  • Division Managers, Senior Division Managers, Sales Managers, and regional leadership teams
  • Operational excellence, profitability, and asset utilization
What You'll Be Responsible For
Operational Leadership
  • Direct all operational activities across multiple divisions.
  • Lead emergency railroad derailment response and recovery operations.
  • Ensure divisions maintain exceptional service, responsiveness, and execution.
  • Maximize equipment utilization, labor efficiency, and operational performance.
  • Develop succession plans and mentor future operational leaders.
Safety Leadership
  • Own the safety culture across every division.
  • Lead incident investigations and Root Cause Analysis.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, OSHA, FRA, and customer requirements.
  • Coach leaders on safe operating practices and accountability.
Financial & Business Performance
  • Drive revenue growth and profitability across the region.
  • Develop operational strategies to improve margins and efficiency.
  • Monitor budgets, staffing levels, labor utilization, and equipment performance.
  • Review bids and estimates to ensure profitable project execution.
Sales & Customer Relations
  • Partner with regional sales teams to expand business.
  • Maintain executive-level customer relationships with railroads and industrial clients.
  • Identify new market opportunities and competitive advantages.
  • Ensure outstanding customer satisfaction on every project.
Leadership & Talent Development
  • Develop, and retain top operational talent.
  • Lead performance management, coaching, and succession planning.
  • Standardize leadership practices across all divisions.
  • Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Requirements
We're Looking For
Required Experience
  • 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in railroad operations, industrial services, heavy civil construction, or emergency response.
  • Experience managing multiple locations or regional operations.
  • Proven leadership of railroad derailment, wrecking, recovery, or emergency response operations.
  • Experience leading large teams through Division Managers or equivalent leadership.
  • Strong operational, financial, and strategic business management experience.
  • Demonstrated success improving safety performance and operational efficiency.

Preferred Experience
  • Railroad maintenance or operations
  • Mechanical fleet management
  • Industrial construction or heavy equipment operations
  • P&L responsibility
  • Multi-million-dollar operational budgets
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent leadership experience.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Ability to travel approximately 50%.
  • Available for emergency response and 24/7 operational support as needed.
Why Hulcher Services
Hulcher Services is a national leader in railroad emergency response, derailment recovery, and specialized transportation services. Our Regional General Managers are empowered to make decisions, build exceptional teams, grow their territories, and directly impact the success of our customers and company.
If you're an experienced railroad operations leader who thrives in fast-paced emergency response environments and has successfully managed multiple divisions, we'd like to speak with you.
Salary Description
$120,000 to $140,000 depending on experience

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