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Railroad Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Insert K-rails or SK100 rails if needed. Make sure rails seat correctly in mold. * Check to make ... POLYMER PRODUCTION OPERATOR COMPENTENCIES: Teamwork Attention to Detail Knowledge Technical ...

Polymer Production Operator

Mesopotamia, OH · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Insert K-rails or SK100 rails if needed. Make sure rails seat correctly in mold. * Check to make ... POLYMER PRODUCTION OPERATOR COMPENTENCIES: Teamwork Attention to Detail Knowledge Technical ...

Polymer Production Operator

Mesopotamia, OH · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Insert K-rails or SK100 rails if needed. Make sure rails seat correctly in mold. * Check to make ... POLYMER PRODUCTION OPERATOR COMPENTENCIES: Teamwork Attention to Detail Knowledge Technical ...

Polymer Production Operator

Grand River, OH · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Insert K-rails or SK100 rails if needed. Make sure rails seat correctly in mold. * Check to make ... POLYMER PRODUCTION OPERATOR COMPENTENCIES: Teamwork Attention to Detail Knowledge Technical ...

New

Polymer Production Operator

Grand River, OH · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Insert K-rails or SK100 rails if needed. Make sure rails seat correctly in mold. * Check to make ... POLYMER PRODUCTION OPERATOR COMPENTENCIES: Teamwork Attention to Detail Knowledge Technical ...

New

As a Rail Flaw Detection Group member, you will be responsible for the safe operation and care of Rail Inspection vehicles, both on and off track. You will assist the Chief Operator in providing a ...

Showing results 21-40

Railroad Operator information

See Ohio salary details

$9

$18

$38

How much do railroad operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad operator in Ohio is $18.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.62 and $19.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is a railroad operator?

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?

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 cities in Ohio are hiring for Railroad Operator jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Railroad Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Railroad Operator job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,943 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Director of Landfill Rail Operations

Interstate Waste Services

Amsterdam, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Interstate Waste Services rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 90 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Overview

Interstate Waste Services is the most progressive and innovative provider of solid waste and recycling services in the greater New York, New Jersey and Connecticut markets with a rail-served landfill in Ohio.  IWS is committed to delivering high-quality waste, recycling and environmental services, while prioritizing the safety of our employees, customers and communities. We cater to a diverse range of industrial, medical and commercial/residential customers.

Founded in 1998, IWS has grown over the years through acquisitions, many of which were family-owned businesses that remain a part of our team today. We're proud to combine the resources of a large company with the values and care of a family-run business.

Essential Job Summary:

The Director of Rail IWS is responsible for leading all rail-related production operations and planning functions, making key operational decisions, and setting strategic goals to consistently meet or exceed production targets. This role involves overseeing the day-to-day rail operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance while supervising staff and providing constructive feedback. Accountability includes managing the rail yard, Gondola operation, and Rail ADT supervision. Reporting to the General Manager, the Director will also play a crucial role in optimizing and developing the rail yard to support future growth.

Essential Job Functions: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other minor duties may be assigned.
  • Provide proactive and strategic process leadership for operations activities in support of planning, engineering, and construction projects for rail
  • Provide expertise to complex transit and rail operations projects, and work across business lines and disciplines as needed to achieve the best outcomes for our clients.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs. Manage the day-to-day operations in the Landfill railyard to ensure the waste is efficiently moved from the railyard to the landfill working face.
  • Ensure all railcar switching, coupling, and moving occurs in a safe and productive manner.
  • Inspect and evaluate all aspects of the rail in the railyard and document any issues found. Ability to troubleshoot issues and deduct the best possible solutions to remedy any issues.
  • Develop long term action plans to improve the overall capacity and efficiency of the railyard.
  • Follows and administers company safety programs by conducting daily, weekly, and monthly safety meetings, facility inspections, and ensuring compliance to all OSHA, MSHA, and FRA regulations.
  • Work collaboratively with the other supervisors/managers to complete the daily work activities in an effective and timely manner.
  • Work cooperatively with maintenance to ensure PMs are completed as scheduled, and that issues with equipment are reported in a timely manner
  • Provide feedback and insight into equipment procurement and major repairs.
  • Utilize proprietary software to track the movement of railcars into and out of the railyard.
  • Establish, monitor, and report out on safety, quality, and productivity key performance indicator
  • Any other duties as assigned by the General Manager or Executive Vice President
  • Provide freight rail operations and strategic planning experience to projects such as state rail plans.
  • Lead technical aspects of projects, including making presentations, facilitating meetings, and working with contractors.
  • Drive the overall long-term strategy, growth, and pipeline development of Rail Operations and Service Planning work for the Landfill with a focus on rail infrastructure and operations opportunities in all disciplines (planning, design, strategic consulting, advisory services, and program/construction management).
  • Drive compliance and accountability at all levels with applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, codes, policies, and regulatory requirements that apply to transit and rail operations, especially FRA and FTA.
  • Lead meetings and continuing educational opportunities for areas of responsibility, providing updates and recommendations to staff that ensure all appropriate measures are taken to foster innovation, development, and quality project delivery.
  • Serve as a IWS representative/liaison to a variety of external entities including Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Clients, Subcontractors, industry-related groups, and various government and community entities.
  • Provide input and information for proposals and project work scopes, pricing, budget, and performance metrics.
  • Remain current in latest rail operating, planning, and safety practices.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to IWS Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Pursue credentials and certifications relevant to current and future responsibilities of the position and/or subsequent positions.
Requirements and Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a planning, transportation, business, or other related discipline.
  • 10+ years' experience in railroad operations, including operations planning, operations management, service development, and safety.
  • Knowledge of FRA-regulated railroad operations, or a combination of education and/or relevant experience to meet the job requirements.
  • Knowledge in strategic rail planning.
  • Proficiency in office productivity software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills.
  • Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
  • Experience in the Landfill industry with supporting waste by Rail operations is strongly preferred
  • Knowledge of locomotive operation rail yard operation, and conducting is required
  • Knowledge of heavy equipment operation is strongly preferred
  • Basic mechanical and technology skills
  • Must have demonstrated leadership, problem solving and organizational skills and ability to maintain and promote a teamwork environment
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs
  • Must be able to walk around the facility and be on his, or her feet throughout the day
Additional Information

This job description is intended to be an accurate representation of the general functions of the job, rather than exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or experience. Other duties may be assigned, requested, or required. Aspects of the job may be altered without notice.

Interstate Waste Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Salary Range MinimumUSD $150,000.00/Yr.Salary Range MaximumUSD $190,000.00/Yr.Employment Type: OTHER

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