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Railroad Safety Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Safety Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$104K - $180K/yr

About Zephyr Rail Zephyr Rail is an engineering design and construction management firm based in ... Job Summary As a Safety Manager, you will be a key leader responsible for developing, implementing ...

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Railroad Safety Manager information

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$37K

$86K

$136.5K

How much do railroad safety manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad safety manager in the United States is $85,971.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railroad safety manager?

To thrive as a Railroad Safety Manager, you generally need a background in safety management, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a degree in engineering, safety, or a related field. Familiarity with federal regulations (such as FRA standards), incident investigation software, and safety management systems is typically required. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you drive safety culture and ensure team adherence to protocols. These skills ensure regulatory compliance, minimize accidents, and protect both employees and the public in a complex, high-risk environment.

What is the difference between Railroad Safety Manager vs Railroad Safety Coordinator?

AspectRailroad Safety ManagerRailroad Safety Coordinator
CertificationsOSHA, FRA safety certifications, safety management trainingOSHA, FRA safety certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentOversees safety programs across multiple departments, strategic planningSupports safety initiatives, conducts inspections, assists in training
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by railroads, transportation companies, regulatory agenciesUsed by railroads, safety teams, compliance departments

The main difference is that Railroad Safety Managers focus on developing and overseeing safety policies at a strategic level, while Railroad Safety Coordinators assist with implementing safety procedures and conducting inspections. Both roles require similar certifications and work within the same industry environment, but the Manager has broader responsibilities for safety program management.

What are some common challenges railroad safety managers face when implementing new safety protocols?

Railroad Safety Managers often encounter resistance to change when rolling out new safety protocols, particularly from employees accustomed to existing processes. Ensuring compliance across multiple departments and shifts can also be challenging, especially in large rail operations. Additionally, staying updated with evolving federal and state regulations requires ongoing training and communication. Successful managers address these challenges by fostering a culture of safety, providing clear training, and collaborating closely with other departments to ensure buy-in and smooth implementation.

What does a railroad safety manager do?

A Railroad Safety Manager is responsible for overseeing and implementing safety protocols within railroad operations. They ensure compliance with federal and state safety regulations, conduct safety audits, investigate accidents, and provide training to employees on safe work practices. Their goal is to minimize risks and prevent accidents by identifying hazards and recommending improvements. Railroad Safety Managers play a key role in maintaining a safe working environment for all railroad staff and the public.
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Cities with the most Railroad Safety Manager job openings:

What states have the most Railroad Safety Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Railroad Safety Manager jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Railroad Safety Manager jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad Safety Manager jobs are:

Infographic showing various Railroad Safety Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,971 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Railroad Safety and Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) Manager

Luster National

Wasco, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

About the Position

We're seeking a Railroad Safety and Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) Manager to support large, heavy-civil infrastructure programs, including rail and transit projects delivered through both traditional and alternative methods. Your initial focus will be supporting railroad construction safety oversight, regulatory compliance, and Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) program implementation on a major transportation infrastructure program. This role will lead railroad safety training initiatives, conduct compliance audits and inspections, support incident response activities, and collaborate with project stakeholders to promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with applicable FRA, OSHA, Cal/OSHA, and project-specific requirements.

This is a long-term, full-time, on-site position located in Wasco, CA. This role requires approximately 25-50% travel. On average, travel may equate to approximately one to two weeks per month, depending on project needs, construction activities, training delivery requirements, incident response activities, inspections, audits, and stakeholder coordination efforts.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Plan, develop, implement, and manage all aspects of the Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) training program.
  • Deliver railroad safety and RWP training to owner, consultant, and contractor personnel in accordance with applicable federal regulations.
  • Conduct field audits, inspections, assessments, and investigations to ensure compliance with FRA, OSHA, Cal/OSHA, and project-specific safety requirements.
  • Monitor railroad construction activities and provide safety oversight across active work zones.
  • Coordinate safety meetings and facilitate collaboration among project stakeholders, contractors, consultants, and agency personnel.
  • Support incident response activities, investigations, corrective actions, and root cause analyses.
  • Coordinate with freight railroads, commuter rail agencies, emergency services, law enforcement, and other external partners, as applicable.
  • Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for leadership regarding safety performance, risks, compliance activities, and continuous improvement opportunities.
  • Supervise safety personnel and support broader program safety and security initiatives.
  • Lead process improvements to strengthen railroad safety culture, accountability, transparency, and program effectiveness.

Attributes

  • Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence diverse stakeholder groups.
  • Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Collaborative mindset that fosters teamwork, trust, and positive working relationships.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to remain calm and effective during incidents and emergency situations.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Safety Management, Construction Management, Engineering, Public Safety, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in railroad operations or railroad safety.
  • Subject matter expertise in 49 CFR Part 214 Railroad Workplace Safety requirements.
  • Strong knowledge of OSHA Construction, OSHA General Industry, and Cal/OSHA requirements.
  • Experience supporting rail, transit, freight, commuter rail, or railroad construction projects.
  • Experience developing, implementing, facilitating, evaluating, and measuring safety training programs.
  • Experience conducting audits, inspections, risk assessments, and compliance reviews.
  • Experience investigating incidents and supporting root cause analysis activities.
  • Experience coordinating with contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, emergency services, rail stakeholders, and project leadership.
  • Ability to work in active construction and railroad operating environments.
  • Ability and willingness to travel approximately 25-50% as required to support field operations, training delivery, inspections, audits, incident response, and stakeholder coordination activities.
  • Must be licensed to operate motor vehicles in accordance with California Law.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite/Office 365 (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

  • OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety certification.
  • Professional safety certification such as CSP, CHST, ASP, SMS, or similar credential.
  • Experience supporting high-speed rail, commuter rail, freight rail, or major transit programs.
  • Experience serving as an RWP Trainer, RWP Instructor, Employee-in-Charge (EIC), or similar railroad safety leadership role.
  • Experience implementing Safety Management Systems (SMS).
  • Experience supervising safety personnel.
  • Experience using safety management systems, data analysis tools, reporting platforms, or related safety technology.

Compensation Details

Expected Salary: $135k-$180k/year ($65-$87/hour). Luster provides the salary range that the company in good faith believes it might offer for this position based on the successful candidate's level of experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, education, certifications, licenses, geographic location, etc. Luster reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range depending on circumstances not related to any status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

Just LOOK at the Benefits We Offer!

  • Unlimited flexible time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid parental leave
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent or elder care)
  • Long-term disability insurance
  • Short-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment
  • 401(k) plan with guaranteed employer contribution
  • Formal career planning and development program
  • $2,500 annually toward professional development
  • Wellness program with monthly wellness stipend
  • Company cell phone or cell phone plan reimbursement
  • Free personalized meal planning and nutrition support with a registered dietitian
  • Free personal financial planning services
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discounts
  • Employee referral bonus

Specific plan details and coverage for each benefit noted above will be provided upon offer. #IN-LNJS