How to get a short line railroad job?

The qualifications needed to get a job on a short line railroad depend on the position for which you wish to apply. All short-line careers require at least a high school diploma of GED certificate. Work in a rail yard or on the track occurs outside, requiring you have the physical ability to perform manual labor. Yardmasters and rail masters need several years of experience at lower-level positions. Conductors and engineers receive on-the-job skills training, and some attend vocational school or specialized training programs such as those offered at the Railroad Education & Development Institute (REDI).