1

Short Line Railroad Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Preferred Qualifications First preference will be given to candidates with previous railroad experience including Conductor, Locomotive Engineer, Class I, Short Line, or Industrial Railroad ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Short Line Railroad information

See salary details

$10

$19

$44

How much do short line railroad jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for short line railroad in the United States is $19.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 cities are hiring for Short Line Railroad jobs? Cities with the most Short Line Railroad job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Short Line Railroad jobs? The most popular types of Short Line Railroad jobs are:
What states have the most Short Line Railroad jobs? States with the most job openings for Short Line Railroad jobs include:
Infographic showing various Short Line Railroad job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,066 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Construction Inspector

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Construction Inspector
Location: Parkersville, WV
Job Type: Full-time
FLSA Status: Hourly; Non-Exempt
Reports To: District Manager
Travel: Yes, travel is expected for this position (50% - 85% on average).
Supervisory Responsibility: No
Compensation: Negotiable, based on skills and experience.

Company Profile:

National Railroad Safety Services, Inc. (NRSS) is a certified DBE/WBE firm primarily focused on providing safety services to the railroad industry. NRSS is the most trusted name in the railroad industry for providing qualified field safety staff and safety training. To best serve the railroad industry, NRSS provides all these services in the continental United States, Canada, and Mexico. NRSS has the proven ability and the proven safety record to handle any project. Find the safety you have been missing today!

Job Description:

National Railroad Safety Services, Inc. (NRSS) is seeking a Construction Inspector to support railroad safety services for Class 1 Railroads, Regional Short Lines, Transit Systems, State DOT's, as well as Railroad Suppliers, Contractors, and Consultants alike.

Required Education:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Required Experience:

Minimum 2 years of experience in one or more of the following, civil construction inspection involving grade separation projects, roadway paving/construction, utility work and/or experience with a Freight Railroad, Regional Short Line Railroad, Transit System, State DOT Highway or Rail Division, Railroad Supplier, Highway/Railroad Contractor, Commercial Construction, and/or Civil Engineering/Railroad Consultant.

Key Success Factors:

  • Accountability: Accept full responsibility for self and contribution as a team member.
  • Adaptability & Flexibility: Ability to consider a variety of issues that exist in the workplace and change from one task to another as necessary.
  • Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze and synthesize information to understand issues, identify options, and support sound decision making.
  • Attention to Detail: Ability to work in a conscientious, consistent, thorough manner, and attend to details while pursuing quality when accomplishing tasks.
  • Communication: Ability to clearly convey information and ideas through a variety of media to employees/clients in a clear and succinct manner.
  • Customer Service Focus: Ability to provide service excellence to internal and/or external clients.
  • Decision Making: Ability to identify/understand issues, problems, opportunities and take appropriate action based on available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.
  • Initiative: Ability to identify what needs to be done and act before being asked.
  • Innovativeness: Ability to devise new plans for quality excellence.
  • Knowledge: Ability to navigate various construction plans, OSHA/Railroad rulebooks and/or regulations and demonstrate mastery.
  • Organization: Ability to maintain materials and/or records in a clean and ordered manner.
  • Planning: Ability to plan and prioritize workload to manage time effectively and accomplish assigned tasks.
  • Stress Tolerance: Ability to maintain stable performance under pressure or opposition (such as time pressure or job ambiguity).
  • Teamwork: Promote cooperation and commitment within a team environment to achieve goals and deliverables
  • Thoroughness: Ability to ensure that one's work is complete and accurate.

Job Requirements:

  • Proficient computer skills in Android OS; on tablet & smart phone.
  • Proficient computer skills in Citrix Applications.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail; well organized.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships.
  • Ability to travel for extended periods of time; sometimes week(s) at a time.
  • Ability to successfully complete Federal, Client, and/or Company Specific Training.

Job Duties:

  • Provide worksite monitoring of constructions crews to verify safety compliance
  • Maintain detailed records of jobsite activities and compliance issues
  • Examining and maintaining company materials ensuring they meet quality standards
  • Documenting any deviations from plans, safety concerns, requesting corrective actions, and ensuring issues are resolved
  • Submit daily field reports detailing Contractor and/or Railroad activities.
  • Provide clear, concise, and thorough safety briefings with all personnel on each site.
  • Intervene as needed when safety, compliance, or policies are violated

Work Environment:

This job operates in a field environment.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • Must be able to hear, speak, read, and write clearly in English.
  • Must be able to drive long distances and/or travel by other modes as necessary.
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time and/or walk on level/uneven ground.
  • Must be able to see up close, distances, colors and make use of peripheral vision and depth perception.
  • Must be able to tolerate extreme heat/cold temperatures.
  • Must be able to tolerate dusty/noisy conditions.

Keywords:

Construction Inspector, Construction Foreman, Construction Manager, Commercial Construction, Civil Engineering Technician, Safety Manager, Safety Inspector, Assistant Division Engineer (ADE), Assistant General Manager (AGM), Assistant Roadmaster, Bridge Inspector, Bridge Manager, Bridge Maintainer, Bridge Supervisor, Division Engineer (DE), Employee In Charge (EIC), Flagger, Flagging, Flagman, Flagmen, Flag Person, Foreman, Foremen, General Manager (GM), Maintenance Of Way (MOW), Manager Track Maintenance (MTM), Manager Track Projects (MTP), Rail, Railroad, Railroad Project Manager, Railway, Railway Project Manager, Roadmaster, Roadway Worker, Roadway Worker In Charge (RWIC), Roadway Worker Protection (RWP), Safety, Signal Inspector, Signal Maintainer, Signal Manager, Signal Supervisor, Track Inspector, Track Maintainer, Track Manager, Track Supervisor.

Safety Commitment:

All employees of all levels are to always remain committed to safety while employed at National Railroad Safety Services, Inc. (NRSS). As such, no job is so important, and no service is so urgent that we may not take the time to perform all work safely. Simply put, safety is our way of life. By placing safety first, we not only ensure the wellbeing of our employees, customers, and communities, but we hold true to our commitment to being the leader in safety throughout the railroad industry.

Closing Statement:

National Railroad Safety Services, Inc. (NRSS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, citizenship, marital status, sex/gender, sexual preference/orientation, gender identify, age, veteran status, national origin, or any other status protected by law or regulation.