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Job Title: Supervisor - Railroad Maintenance
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Classification: Full-time
Hours: Working days will be Wednesday - Sunday or Thursday - Monday
Pay Rate: Range starts at $55,477/year

Summary:

This role provides technical leadership for the Omaha Zoo Railroad by building, leading, and continuously improving a comprehensive railroad maintenance program. This position is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair, restoration, and long-term reliability of the Zoo's railroad assets, including historic steam locomotives, diesel locomotive, passenger coaches, railroad track, switches, signals, crossings, and supporting infrastructure and reports to the Chief Campus Operations Officer.

This is a working supervisor position that combines hands-on technical expertise with team leadership. The Supervisor works alongside Railroad Maintenance Technicians and Seasonal Steam Locomotive Engineers while establishing maintenance standards, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), creating technical training programs, and implementing preventive maintenance strategies that promote safe, reliable, and efficient railroad operations.

This Supervisor serves as the Zoo's subject matter expert for railroad mechanical systems and infrastructure while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement. This position plays a critical role in preserving one of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium's signature guest experiences by developing a sustainable railroad maintenance program that supports current operations and future growth.

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

Railroad Maintenance Program Development and Leadership

• Build, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive railroad maintenance program for the Omaha Zoo Railroad.
• Establish maintenance standards, best practices, and procedures that support safety, reliability, operational readiness, and long-term asset preservation.
• Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for railroad maintenance, inspections, emergency response, and safe work practices.
• Develop preventive and predictive maintenance programs for locomotives, rolling stock, track infrastructure, switches, signals, and supporting systems.
• Establish maintenance documentation standards, inspection procedures, equipment histories, and recordkeeping practices.
• Evaluate industry best practices and incorporate improvements into railroad maintenance and operating procedures.
• Develop technical training programs, qualification standards, and competency requirements for Railroad Maintenance Technicians and Seasonal Steam Locomotive Engineers.
• Build a culture focused on safety, craftsmanship, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Supervision and Staff Development

• Provide leadership, direction, and supervision to Railroad Maintenance Technicians.
• Recruit, train, schedule, mentor, and supervise Seasonal Steam Locomotive Engineers.
• Assign and prioritize daily, weekly, seasonal, and annual maintenance activities.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and development opportunities to team members.
• Conduct safety meetings, job briefings, and technical training sessions.
• Promote cross-training and knowledge transfer to support long-term organizational sustainability.

Steam Locomotive and Railroad Equipment Maintenance

• Plan, supervise, and participate in the inspection, maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, restoration, and overhaul of the Omaha Zoo Railroad.
• Maintain and support Steam Locomotives No. 104 and No. 119, including:
  • Boilers and steam systems
  • Running gear
  • Valve gear
  • Lubrication systems
  • Braking systems
  • Mechanical components
  • Auxiliary equipment
• Maintain diesel locomotive systems and passenger coaches.
• Coordinate annual inspections, boiler inspections, testing, and required documentation.
• Perform mechanical troubleshooting and determine appropriate repair strategies.
• Coordinate welding, fabrication, machining, and specialized repair activities.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, inspection documentation, and repair histories.

Track, Signal, and Railroad Infrastructure

• Develop and implement inspection and maintenance programs for railroad track, rail, ties, ballast, switches, crossings, drainage systems, signals, and right-of-way.
• Coordinate track maintenance activities including tie replacement, rail repairs, switch adjustments, alignment, and surfacing.
• Inspect and maintain railroad signals, switch mechanisms, warning devices, and operational safety systems.
• Identify infrastructure deficiencies and develop recommendations for repair, replacement, and capital improvement projects.
• Ensure railroad infrastructure supports safe and reliable daily operations.

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure maintenance activities comply with OSHA requirements, applicable boiler inspection requirements, and organizational safety standards.
• Develop and maintain Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), lockout/tagout procedures, and safe work practices.
• Establish inspection processes and documentation practices that support safe railroad operations.
• Participate in emergency response planning and incident investigations.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through training, communication, and continuous improvement.

Planning, Budgeting, and Asset Management

• Assist with preparation of annual operating and capital budgets.
• Identify long-term repair, replacement, and restoration needs for railroad assets.
• Forecast major maintenance projects and equipment requirements.
• Manage inventory of spare parts, specialized tools, railroad materials, and critical components.
• Coordinate work performed by vendors, contractors, consultants, and inspectors.
• Recommend improvements that enhance reliability, efficiency, and lifecycle value.

Collaboration and Communication

• Coordinate railroad maintenance activities with Guest Services to support daily train operations, special events, and operational needs.
• Work collaboratively with the Ride Maintenance Supervisor on shared resources, staffing, and facility needs.
• Partner with Campus Operations, Engineering, Planning & Design, and other departments on projects affecting railroad operations.
• Communicate maintenance priorities, operational concerns, and project needs effectively with internal and external partners.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate directly in maintenance, repair, and restoration activities.
• Operate vehicles, railroad equipment, and specialized maintenance equipment associated with assigned responsibilities.
• Support sustainability initiatives where practical.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of steam locomotive maintenance, repair, and operation.
• Strong understanding of railroad mechanical systems, including boilers, steam systems, braking systems, running gear, valve gear, and rotating equipment.
• Knowledge of railroad track maintenance, switches, crossings, and signal systems.
• Experience with welding, fabrication, machining, and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Ability to interpret technical manuals, drawings, specifications, and maintenance documentation.
• Experience developing preventive maintenance programs, SOPs, training programs, and inspection procedures.
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance hands-on maintenance responsibilities with program development and team leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) preferred.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Technical degree, apprenticeship, or formal training in railroad maintenance, diesel technology, industrial maintenance, mechanical systems, welding, machining, or related field preferred.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience maintaining steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, railroad equipment, heavy industrial machinery, power generation equipment, or comparable mechanical systems.
• Previous supervisory or lead maintenance experience preferred.
• Experience developing maintenance programs, technical procedures, and employee training programs preferred.

Offered candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug screening, and possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

Preferred Certifications and Professional Experience:

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining the Omaha Zoo Railroad's maintenance standards, operating procedures, technical training, and employee qualification programs.

Preferred qualifications include:

• OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour Certification (Construction or General Industry).
• Railroad mechanical, locomotive, diesel, heavy equipment, industrial maintenance, welding, machining, or boiler-related certifications.
• Experience working with steam locomotive boilers, pressure vessels, or industrial boiler systems.
• Experience with railroad track inspection, maintenance, and construction.
• Experience developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), preventive maintenance programs, and technical training programs.
• Knowledge of railroad operating practices, safety requirements, and historic railroad preservation.

Equivalent education, training, certifications, and demonstrated experience will be considered.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Railroad Maintenance Technicians
• Seasonal Part-Time Steam Locomotive Engineers

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in railroad maintenance facilities, machine shops, outdoor railroad environments, and throughout Zoo grounds.
• Frequent exposure to weather extremes, steam, grease, oils, welding operations, dust, noise, and uneven terrain.
• Requires climbing on locomotives and rail equipment, working beneath equipment, entering confined spaces, and working from ladders or elevated platforms.
• Ability to walk significant distances throughout the railroad right-of-way and Zoo campus.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and move up to 50 pounds routinely and up to 75 pounds using appropriate lifting techniques or assistance.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, special events, and respond to operational emergencies as needed.

Success in This Position:

Success in this role will be measured by the ability to build and sustain a safe, organized, and reliable railroad maintenance program; establish clear maintenance and operating standards; develop and mentor staff; improve equipment reliability; and preserve the Omaha Zoo Railroad as a premier guest attraction for future generations.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain nor be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. Responsibilities may be modified at any time to meet the operational needs of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Opportunity Employer.