1

Short Line Railroad Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Railroad & Industry Relations * Build and maintain relationships with Class I railroads, short-line operators, terminal operators, and other logistics partners. * Serve as the company's subject ...

Railroad & Industry Relations * Build and maintain relationships with Class I railroads, short-line operators, terminal operators, and other logistics partners. * Serve as the company's subject ...

The company provides a wide range of rail services including industrial switching, material handling, terminal & transload services, short line operations, railcar staging, train assembly, and ...

The company provides a wide range of rail services including industrial switching, material handling, terminal & transload services, short line operations, railcar staging, train assembly, and ...

Be Seen First

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Rail Transportation Management (Primary Focus) โ— Coordinate outbound and inbound rail shipments with Class I, Easter Carriers and short line-rail operators (e.g., BNSF, CSX ...

Civil Project Manager

Corpus Christi, TX ยท On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Serve as the primary point of contact for Class I railroads, short line railroads, industrial rail clients, transit agencies, public agencies, municipalities, subconsultants, and internal project ...

Civil Project Manager

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Serve as the primary point of contact for Class I railroads, short line railroads, industrial rail clients, transit agencies, public agencies, municipalities, subconsultants, and internal project ...

Civil Project Manager

Fort Worth, TX ยท On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Serve as the primary point of contact for Class I railroads, short line railroads, industrial rail clients, transit agencies, public agencies, municipalities, subconsultants, and internal project ...

Civil Project Manager

El Paso, TX ยท On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Serve as the primary point of contact for Class I railroads, short line railroads, industrial rail clients, transit agencies, public agencies, municipalities, subconsultants, and internal project ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Short Line Railroad information

See Texas salary details

$9

$18

$41

How much do short line railroad jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for short line railroad in Texas is $18.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a short line railroad?

A Short Line Railroad is a small or regional railroad company that operates over a relatively short distance compared to major national railroads. These railroads typically connect rural areas, industries, or smaller communities to the larger national rail network, often serving as a crucial link for freight transportation. Short Line Railroads can be independently owned or operate as subsidiaries of larger rail companies. They play an essential role in supporting local economies and providing customized rail services that larger railroads may not offer.

What are short line railroad jobs?

Short line railroad jobs involve train operations and maintenance in a rail yard or on the tracks. Your duties and responsibilities vary depending on the details of your post. Railroad crew members perform maintenance, inspect rails, test crossing signals, and operate switches along the line. Roadmasters oversee operations on the track, while yardmasters manage railroad yards. Yard laborers, or carmen, maintain, paint, and clean rail cars. Train engineers control the train when it is traveling. Short-line railroads also have conductors whose responsibilities include overseeing cargo and passengers during the journey.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a short line railroad operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Short Line Railroad Operator, you need a solid understanding of railroad operations, safety protocols, and mechanical systems, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with track-switching systems, locomotive controls, and compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help operators ensure safe and efficient rail service. These competencies are vital for maintaining operational safety, minimizing delays, and supporting reliable transportation for freight or passengers.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working on a short line railroad, and how can they prepare for them?

Employees on a Short Line Railroad often encounter challenges such as managing tight schedules, adapting to varying weather conditions, and maintaining safety standards on smaller teams with fewer resources. Unlike larger railroads, short lines usually require staff to be versatile, performing multiple roles such as operating trains, performing track maintenance, and handling administrative tasks. Preparing for these challenges involves developing strong communication skills, staying up to date with safety regulations, and being proactive in problem-solving. Many short line railroads also offer on-the-job training and encourage collaboration, making it a supportive environment for those willing to learn and adapt.

What is the difference between Short Line Railroad vs Railroad Conductor?

AspectShort Line RailroadRailroad Conductor
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, sometimes certificationsHigh school diploma, safety training, conductor certification often required
Work EnvironmentRural or regional rail lines, on-site at rail yards and tracksOn trains, at rail yards, and in stations
Industry UsageOperates regional or local freight linesManages train operations, safety, and crew coordination

Short Line Railroad and Railroad Conductor roles both operate within the rail industry, often requiring similar certifications and safety training. While short line railroads focus on regional freight services, conductors are responsible for managing train operations and crew on various rail lines. The roles are interconnected but differ in daily responsibilities and work settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Short Line Railroad jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Short Line Railroad jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Short Line Railroad jobs in Texas?

For Short Line Railroad jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Short Line Railroad jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Short Line Railroad jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Short Line Railroad jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Short Line Railroad job openings:

Infographic showing various Short Line Railroad job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,260 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Sr. Rail Manager

Sesco Cement Corp

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

SESCO is a rapidly growing U.S. distributor of cement and construction materials and operates within a diversified international group of companies generating approximately $3 billion in annual revenue. Cement distribution plays a critical role in supporting U.S. infrastructure, commercial development, and manufacturing supply chains. SESCO is actively expanding its distribution network through new terminals, satellite locations, and strategic partnerships while evaluating opportunities for organic growth and acquisitions to strengthen its national footprint. The company operates with a lean leadership structure that provides team members direct exposure to senior decision makers and meaningful involvement in strategic initiatives.

SENIOR RAIL MANAGER

Location: Houston, TX
Industry: Rail & Railroad Transportation | Cement | Building Materials | Industrial Logistics

Position Summary

The Senior Rail Manager will lead the development and execution of the company's rail transportation strategy, helping to expand and optimize a growing network of rail-served facilities.

This role is focused on strategy, network development, commercial planning, railroad relationships, logistics, capital projects, and transportation technology rather than day-to-day rail operations. The successful candidate will partner closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, improve transportation efficiency, and support future growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Rail Strategy & Network Development

  • Develop and execute rail transportation strategies that support business growth.
  • Evaluate rail-served facilities, infrastructure needs, capacity requirements, and future expansion opportunities.
  • Support site selection, terminal development, acquisitions, and network growth initiatives.
  • Identify transportation, capacity, and infrastructure constraints and recommend solutions.

Commercial & Financial Leadership

  • Evaluate rail and logistics investments, business cases, and capital projects.
  • Partner with commercial teams to align customer demand, transportation capacity, and network capabilities.
  • Assess transportation costs, railroad service impacts, and profitability considerations.

Railroad & Industry Relations

  • Build and maintain relationships with Class I railroads, short-line operators, terminal operators, and other logistics partners.
  • Serve as the company's subject matter expert on strategic rail matters.
  • Support negotiations, service planning, and long-term railroad partnerships.

Logistics & Supply Chain

  • Improve coordination across transportation, logistics, commercial, operations, engineering, and finance teams.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, service reliability, and asset utilization.
  • Support development of scalable transportation and supply chain processes.

Technology & Capital Projects

  • Participate in the evaluation and implementation of transportation management and logistics systems.
  • Provide rail and logistics expertise for terminal expansions, rail infrastructure projects, and capital investments.
  • Support planning and development of new rail-served facilities.

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of progressive experience in freight rail, transportation, logistics, industrial development, or a related field.
  • Strong understanding of railroad operations, commercial structures, infrastructure, and transportation economics.
  • Experience supporting rail-served facilities, terminal operations, network development, or logistics initiatives.
  • Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders across multiple functions.
  • Strong analytical, communication, and business acumen.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and industry experience.
  • Periodic travel to company terminals, development sites, railroad partners, and other strategic locations as business needs require.

Preferred Experience

  • Class I railroad, short-line, rail terminal, or industrial logistics experience.
  • Experience with Union Pacific, BNSF, or other major freight rail carriers.
  • Cement, aggregates, mining, bulk commodities, or industrial materials experience.
  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS) implementation or evaluation experience.
  • Exposure to capital projects, site development, or rail-served facility expansion. 


Sesco Cement is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, including arrest and conviction records, in accordance with applicable law.  

Sesco Cement is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and either need assistance applying online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please let Human Resources know.