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Railroad Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rail Operator

Wellington, UT · On-site

$28.75/hr

... railroad. * Add/remove railcars as needed to ensure outbound train tenders are met. * Stage and ... new Rail Operators joining Energy Transfer is $28.75 To perform this job successfully, an ...

Conductor

Clarkdale, AZ · On-site

$21.25 - $27.75/hr

Maintain charge of the train and ensure safe operation in accordance with FRA regulations, railroad operating rules, and company policies * Coordinate closely with the locomotive engineer and other ...

This position is responsible for safely and efficiently operating and maintaining rail equipment ... railroad. * Add/remove railcars as needed to ensure outbound train tenders are met. * Stage and ...

Conductor

Clarkdale, AZ · On-site

$21.25 - $27.75/hr

Maintain charge of the train and ensure safe operation in accordance with FRA regulations, railroad operating rules, and company policies * Coordinate closely with the locomotive engineer and other ...

This position is responsible for safely and efficiently operating and maintaining rail equipment ... railroad. * Add/remove railcars as needed to ensure outbound train tenders are met. * Stage and ...

Act as the primary liaison between the GDC, Amtrak, freight rail operators, and other stakeholders to facilitate coordination and communication. * Ensure all parties are aligned on project schedules ...

NH · On-site

$89K/yr

The position(s) is located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Operating Practices Division. The Operating Practices Division is responsible for examining carriers operating rules, employee ...

UT · On-site

$89K/yr

The position(s) is located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Operating Practices Division. The Operating Practices Division is responsible for examining carriers operating rules, employee ...

MA

$89K/yr

The position(s) is located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Operating Practices Division. The Operating Practices Division is responsible for examining carriers operating rules, employee ...

MA · On-site

$89K/yr

The position(s) is located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Operating Practices Division. The Operating Practices Division is responsible for examining carriers operating rules, employee ...

MA · On-site

$89K/yr

The position(s) is located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Operating Practices Division. The Operating Practices Division is responsible for examining carriers operating rules, employee ...

AZ · On-site

$89K/yr

The position(s) is located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Operating Practices Division. The Operating Practices Division is responsible for examining carriers operating rules, employee ...

NH · On-site

$89K/yr

The position(s) is located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Operating Practices Division. The Operating Practices Division is responsible for examining carriers operating rules, employee ...

MA · On-site

$89K/yr

The position(s) is located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Operating Practices Division. The Operating Practices Division is responsible for examining carriers operating rules, employee ...

RI · On-site

$89K/yr

The position(s) is located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Operating Practices Division. The Operating Practices Division is responsible for examining carriers operating rules, employee ...

RI · On-site

$89K/yr

The position(s) is located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Operating Practices Division. The Operating Practices Division is responsible for examining carriers operating rules, employee ...

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Railroad Operator information

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How much do railroad operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad operator in the United States is $20.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $21.63 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 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.
More about Railroad Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Railroad Operator jobs? Cities with the most Railroad Operator job openings:
What states have the most Railroad Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Railroad Operator jobs include:
Rail Operator

Rail Operator

Energy transfer

Wellington, UT • On-site

$28.75/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Energy Transfer rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 75 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Energy Transfer, recognized by Forbes as one of America's best large employers, is dedicated to responsibly and safely delivering America's energy. We are driven to inspire our employees to create superior value for our customers, our investors, a sustainable future and giving back to the community where we have long-standing commitments to causes including MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital, The Salvation Army, The American Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House and many more.
We value all of our employees who make our growth and success possible. We are proud to offer industry leading compensation, comprehensive benefits, 401(k) match with additional profit sharing, PTO and abundant career opportunities.
Come join our award winning over 12,000 strong organization as we fuel the world and each other!
Energy Transfer, recognized by Forbes as one of America's best large employers, is dedicated to responsibly and safely delivering America's energy. We are driven to inspire our employees to create superior value for our customers, our investors, a sustainable future and giving back to the community where we have long-standing commitments to causes including MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital, The Salvation Army, The American Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House and many more.
We value all of our employees who make our growth and success possible. We are proud to offer industry leading compensation, comprehensive benefits, 401(k) match with additional profit sharing, PTO and abundant career opportunities.
Come join our award winning over 12,000 strong organization as we fuel the world and each other!
Summary:
This position is responsible for safely and efficiently operating and maintaining rail equipment, track, and switches. The safe transfer of crude oil and petroleum products to and from tanker truck and railcar in compliance with federal, state and company regulations, procedures, guidelines, and policies.
Starting hourly wage for all new Rail Operators joining Energy Transfer is $28.75
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The essential job duties for this position are listed below:
  • Safe and efficient operations of Utah assets protecting employees, the public, the environment, company assets and customers' assets.
  • Ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Ensure conformance with all company policies, procedures, and principles of operational safety
  • Must be detailed orientated, self-starter and able to work with little supervision while maintaining a safe work environment.
  • Maintain cleanliness of loading equipment and work area.
  • Perform and legibly document pre and post railcar loading inspections to include but not limited to railcar; heels, loading volumes, outages, weights, seal numbers, and stenciling information to ensure compliance with DOT/FRA/PHMSA Hazardous Material shipping requirements.
  • Connect and disconnect loading equipment to the railcar by operating hoses, grounding cables, loading arms, valves, pneumatic and manual hand tools, and torque wrenches requiring manual manipulation and dexterity.
  • Accurately perform keypunch entry of railcar information into flow computer (micro-load) system.
  • Monitor product movement to and from storage tanks, including coordinating activities with other departments to ensure constant and safe product flow.
  • Operate rail equipment in accordance with company approved policies and procedures and in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and "limited use agreements" with Class 1 railroad.
  • Add/remove railcars as needed to ensure outbound train tenders are met.
  • Stage and secure railcars for inbound/outbound switches and railcar repair.
  • Perform general maintenance on field and facility equipment.
  • Inspect and maintain facility track, track switches, switch stands, road crossings and report any abnormalities or safety concerns to shift supervisor.
  • Complete daily, weekly, and/or monthly inspections/reports to include, but not limited to, railcar inventory, consumable inventories, inspection reports, incident reports, and potential hazard/near miss reports.
  • Ensure facility buildings, equipment, and surrounding areas are in safe and clean working conditions, remove and dispose of trash, perform grounds maintenance, and perform repairs as directed.
  • Identify, report, and correct safety / environmental / regulatory concerns per company policy and procedure.
  • Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by your supervisor or manager.

Required Skills
Experience and Education Requirements
Starting hourly wage for all new Rail Operators joining Energy Transfer is $28.75
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• A High School Diploma or equivalent
• Current/valid driver's license
• Communicate (written and verbal) in the English language
• Basic math and PC skills
• Knowledge of CFR-DOT regulations pertaining to shipment of hazardous materials
• Knowledge of transloading, rail terminal, railcar mover / locomotives
• Knowledge of AAR and FRA standards, policies, and regulations
Required education:
  • High school diploma or GED

Required experience is commensurate with the selected job level:
  • Level C requires a minimum of 0 - 2 years of relevant experience in a midstream operations role or equivalent work experience
  • Level B requires a minimum of 2 - 4 years of relevant experience in a midstream operations role or equivalent work experience
  • Level A requires a minimum of 4+ years of relevant experience in a midstream operations role or equivalent work experience

Working Conditions:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
  • Lifting up to 50 lbs occasionally.
  • Driving, walking, standing frequently.
  • Exposure to adverse weather, cramped conditions and some heavy lifting
    Visits to industrial/manufacturing settings, which may include exposure to various materials and chemicals, as well as extreme temperature conditions and loud machinery, and require appropriate personal protective equipment.
  • Occasional overnight travel may be required.

The physical requirements and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

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