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Railroad Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. * General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry. * Railroad accident ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. * General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry. * Railroad accident ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. * General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry. * Railroad accident ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. * General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry. * Railroad accident ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. * General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry. * Railroad accident ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. * General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry. * Railroad accident ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. * General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry. * Railroad accident ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. * General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry. * Railroad accident ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. * General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry. * Railroad accident ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. * General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry. * Railroad accident ...

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Railroad Operator information

What is the difference between Railroad Operator vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectRailroad OperatorSignal Maintainer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, sometimes certificationsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in electrical or signal systems
Work EnvironmentTrain cab, rail yards, on tracksSignal boxes, electrical rooms, on-site at rail yards and tracks
Industry UsageOperating trains, controlling movementMaintaining and repairing signaling systems

Railroad Operators focus on operating trains and ensuring safe movement along tracks, while Signal Maintainers specialize in maintaining signaling systems that control train traffic. Both roles require safety training and are essential for railway operations, but they differ in daily tasks and technical skills.

What are railroad operators and what do they do?

Railroad operators are professionals responsible for managing the movement of trains along rail networks. They monitor train schedules, coordinate with engineers and conductors, and ensure the safe and efficient operation of trains. Their duties may also include controlling track switches, communicating with dispatchers, and responding to emergencies. Railroad operators play a vital role in maintaining railway safety and timely transportation of passengers and goods.

What are some common challenges faced by railroad operators and how can they be addressed?

Railroad operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, strict adherence to safety regulations, and maintaining schedules despite operational delays. Effective communication with dispatchers and other crew members is crucial to managing these situations. Proactively reporting equipment issues, participating in ongoing safety training, and staying adaptable can help operators overcome these challenges and ensure smooth operations.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Operator, you need a solid understanding of railway operations, safety regulations, and mechanical systems, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification. Familiarity with signaling systems, dispatch software, and locomotive controls is typically required. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and strong communication skills help operators manage schedules and respond effectively to emergencies. These skills are vital to ensure the safe, efficient, and timely movement of trains while minimizing risks on the railway.
What are popular job titles related to Railroad Operator jobs in California? For Railroad Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Railroad Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Railroad Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Railroad Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Railroad Operator job openings:
Railroad Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Railroad Roadmaster

Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation LLC

Ventura, CA • On-site

$66K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

This position will be responsible for overseeing and managing the inspection and maintenance of rail corridors and associated facilities to include working on track, right-of-way, rail stations, platforms, and facilities for our railroad on the Santa Paula Branch Line in Ventura County, CA. This position will be overseeing a section crew of 4-5 employees, making sure that any required repairs and work along the railroad right of way are taken care of in a timely manner. This position will also be expected to conduct track inspections as needed at the required frequencies based on the classification of track. This is a salaried supervisor position that will be expected to work 40 -5o hours a week with occasional out of town travel as needed.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Conducts self in an appropriate manner as a representative of our railroad, working effectively in a diverse work environment using prudent judgment at all times, performing duties in a safe manner.
  • Knows and understands the requirements set forth in CFR Title 49, Part 213 and their application to ensuring that the right of way stays within Federal standards.
  • Supervise a section crew of Maintenance of Way Laborers/Operators.
  • Know, understand, and set up safety precautions for the protection of roadway workers and contractors while working on or adjacent to right of way.
  • Know and understand track warrants, their use and be able to obtain them from the Dispatcher for the protection of roadway workers
  • Loads and unloads heavy materials, obtains necessary material and equipment, and removes debris and maintains a clean, safe work site.
  • Assist in removing and installing railroad ties, rails, turnouts, track fastenings, and track switches, ensuring the safe and proper operation of all vehicles, material, and equipment.
  • Lubricates track and track switches, remove and tightens bolts, assists in track surfacing, alignment, gauging, jacking, and tamping and performs other related maintenance of way duties as directed.
  • Assists other employees as assigned in the maintenance, handling, and repair of rail shop equipment, stations, platforms in a safe and proper manner.
  • Assists in re-railing operations and operates various rail equipment and other service vehicles; uses air, electric, and hydraulic power tools and equipment utilized in the performance of maintenance of way duties.
  • Performs various physical duties in a maintenance environment, which includes, but is not limited to, working with dust, dirt, gravel, fumes, exhaust, various noise levels, chemicals, in confined spaces, and in various, sometimes extreme, outdoor weather conditions and temperatures as required.
  • Other duties as required.

Qualifications
  • At least 3 years of track experience with a track inspectors' certification.
  • Valid California driver's license with a clean Motor Vehicle record.
  • Computer skills, primarily Microsoft Office and Power point.
  • Prior experience in a safety sensitive position/ job.
  • Prior knowledge, training, and certification in railroad operating rules preferred but not required.
  • Effective communication skills.
  • Class A Commercial Driver License preferred but not required.

Working Conditions
This job requires work outdoors in all weather conditions with occasional office work in doors. Proper use of PPE equipment is required depending on job activities. This job may also require weekend work with occasional travel out of town.
Physical Requirements
  • Capable of conducting 40+ hours of work a week.
  • Physically capable to traverse in and around the office complex and anywhere else on railroad property.
  • Be able to climb up and down railroad equipment.
  • Must be able to bend, stoop, reach, twist, climb and work at heights up to 20 feet, access confined areas, push/pull up to 125 pounds, lift/carry up to 80 pounds, and horizontally move equipment weighing up to 90 pounds.
  • The position will be subject to DOT/FRA pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.

$66,000 - $85,000 a year
Medical, Dental, Hearing & Vision are 100% covered by the company for the employee plus a significant other.
This position comes with railroad retirement.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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