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Track Maintenance Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ... This position is responsible for between 10 and 20 track attendants.

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Track Maintenance information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$29

$52

How much do track maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for track maintenance in Iowa is $29.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.68 and $35.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are track maintenance workers?

Track maintenance workers are professionals responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railroad tracks and related infrastructure. Their duties include replacing rails, ties, and ballast, as well as ensuring track alignment and safety. They use specialized tools and machinery to perform regular maintenance and emergency repairs, helping to prevent derailments and ensure safe train operations. Track maintenance is physically demanding and often requires working outdoors in various weather conditions. These workers play a crucial role in keeping rail networks functional and safe for both freight and passenger trains.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In track maintenance, high-paying roles such as senior track inspectors or specialized track supervisors can earn around $4,000 weekly, especially with experience and overtime. These positions typically require technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of railway systems but do not always require a college degree.

What is a track maintenance worker?

A track maintenance worker is responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railway tracks to ensure safe and efficient train operations. They use tools such as track gauges and ballast regulators and often work outdoors in various weather conditions, sometimes requiring certifications in safety procedures or equipment operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Track Maintenance Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive in Track Maintenance, you need a solid understanding of rail infrastructure, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with specialized track inspection equipment, hand and power tools, and relevant safety certifications like FRA or OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work in physically demanding and variable outdoor conditions are crucial soft skills. These skills ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of rail operations by minimizing hazards and maintaining infrastructure integrity.

What qualifications do track maintainers need?

Track maintainers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of track components and maintenance procedures. Relevant skills include mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to operate specialized tools and equipment. Certifications in safety and track inspection may also be required depending on the employer.

What does a track maintainer do?

A track maintainer is responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railway tracks to ensure safety and proper operation. They use tools and equipment to replace ties, align rails, and address issues such as wear or damage, often working outdoors and following safety protocols. The role may require knowledge of track standards and certifications in railway safety.

What are some common challenges faced in a Track Maintenance role, and how can they be managed?

Track Maintenance professionals often work outdoors in varying weather conditions, which can make the job physically demanding. They also need to be vigilant about safety protocols, as they frequently work near active rail lines and heavy equipment. Navigating tight deadlines for repairs, especially during emergencies, is another challenge. Effective teamwork and clear communication with colleagues and supervisors are essential for managing these demands and ensuring efficient, safe operations.

What is the difference between Track Maintenance vs Track Inspector?

AspectTrack MaintenanceTrack Inspector
CertificationsRailroad certifications, safety trainingRailroad certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork on tracks, repair sitesField inspections, site assessments
Primary ResponsibilitiesRepairing and maintaining tracksInspecting track conditions and safety

Track Maintenance involves actively repairing and maintaining railway tracks to ensure safety and functionality. Track Inspectors focus on examining tracks for defects, safety issues, and compliance. While both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, Track Maintenance workers perform hands-on repairs, whereas Track Inspectors assess track conditions to recommend necessary actions.

Track Maintenance Foreperson

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Canadian National Railway rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

163rd of 356 rated logistics


Job description

Track Maintenance Foreperson

At CN, we are committed to our pursuit of excellence. We take pride in delivering work of the highest standard, continually innovating to shape the railroad of the future. As responsible railroaders, we make the right decisions every time, putting safety first, acting with unwavering integrity, and holding ourselves accountable for our actions. We believe in succeeding together-by fostering inclusivity and collaboration, we sustainably deliver exceptional results for our customers.  
If you enjoy working outdoors in a safety-focused team environment, a rewarding career in rail maintenance might be right for you! Working with a crew in different locations, you'll play a focal role in keeping the economy on track by ensuring that our infrastructure is safe, sound, and train-ready. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us and get your career moving!

Job Summary

The Track Maintenance Foreperson is responsible for the maintenance of track components. The position leads crews to ensure that fixtures on the railroad work properly. The incumbent participates in inspecting, repairing, and replacing rails, ties, switches, and ballast.

Major Responsibilities

  • Inspect and maintain track structure and right-of-way to CN's specifications
  • Supervise and develop track forces to ensure quality maintenance and safe work performance
  • Inspect track work on completion and approve track for service
  • Maintain train operating restrictions in alignment with track standards
  • Implement safety directives
  • Assist in the development of safety programs and goals
  • Remove and replace defective ties, rails spikes, and anchors
  • Correct deviations in track surface, alignment, and gauge
  • Install and repair street and railroad crossings
  • Assist in the replacement and repair of items such as power-operated switches and insulated joints
  • Help to unload ballast as well as unload and distribute track material
  • Sort used track material for loading, which may be loaded by hand
  • Clear brush, vegetation, snow, and litter from railroad right-of-way
  • Establish and maintain drainage
  • Clean up after work completion
  • Comply with track safety standards, Operating Rules, and Safe work procedures
  • Complete work, material inventory, and inspections reports

Working Conditions

  • Must be available to work shifts, away from home on various work cycles, and occasional overtime
  • Ability to work outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions, involving physical work
  • Must be able to perform repetitive physical activities
  • Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds (22 kg) frequently and up to 70 pounds (32 kg) occasionally
  • Must have good eye-hand coordination and grasping

Requirements

  • Foreperson or supervisory experience
  • Experience in similar working conditions
  • High School Diploma or equivalent General Education Diploma (GED)
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word)
  • Collaborates with others and shares information
  • Communicates with impact
  • Sets direction and inspires others
  • Leads by example for the safety and security of all
  • Considers ESG principles in all operations

Assets

  • Welding Skills
  • Knowledge of signals or Rail Operating Rules

What We Offer  

  • Competitive Wages and Benefits  
  • Paid Training and Career Development 
  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance 
  • Defined Benefits Pension Plan 
  • Employee Share Investment Plan 
  • Educational Financial Assistance Program 
  • Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) 
  • Generous Employee Discount Program 
  • Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) 
  • Telemedicine Service  

This position is a unionized position, as such pay and benefits are governed by the applicable Collective Agreement.  

Paid Training
  

Successful candidates will take part in a paid four-week training program at a CN Campus (Homewood, IL) with additional on-the-job training to help ensure that they have received the adequate knowledge to operate in accordance with regulatory requirements and CN's safety standards. The training is primarily on health and safety rules as successful completion of the classroom and on-the-job training is required to continue employment as a Track Maintenance Foreperson at CN. 

Successful Candidate Process:
  

  • Medical assessment (including drug, hearing, and vision).  
  • Criminal background check. 
  • Offer Letter  

Paid Training Structure:  

  • 4 weeks at CN Campus 

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