Superintendent of Railroad Operations
About The Position
Mendocino Railway is hiring a Superintendent of Railroad Operations to provide hands-on leadership and oversight of their railroad operations in Mendocino County, California. This is a highly visible leadership position responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of their railroad while supporting an exceptional experience for passengers, guests, staff, and the communities served. This is a full-time, onsite position in Fort Bragg and Willits, CA. The ideal candidate will have practical experience in freight and/or passenger railroad operations, a strong working knowledge of railroad safety and regulatory requirements (including FRA), a keen eye for detail, and demonstrated success leading employees and field operations. This position works closely with all facets of railroad employees and operations, including contractors, department leaders, management, the public, public officials, and regulatory agencies.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Experience in railroad operations, track inspection, Maintenance of Equipment (MOE), and Maintenance of Way (MOW) track standards.
- Experience managing operational priorities, projects, budgets, and resources.
- Prior supervisory or management experience in a railroad environment.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop field and operations employees.
- Strong knowledge of FRA regulations and railroad operating and safety requirements.
- Familiarity with GCOR and California railroad regulatory requirements, including CPUC requirements.
- Pre-employment DOT drug screen and background check required prior to hiring.
- Valid driver’s license required; ability to obtain CDL is encouraged.
- Ability to read and interpret track plans and construction documents.
- Ability to effectively communicate and work with employees, contractors, regulatory representatives, public officials, and members of the public.
- Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.
- Ability to lift 50+ lbs and work outdoors in varying conditions.
- Must be reliable, punctual, and professional in appearance and demeanor.
- Must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Nice To Haves
- Experience overseeing both passenger and freight railroad operations preferred.
- Experience coordinating significant railroad infrastructure or capital improvement projects a plus.
Responsibilities
- Provide hands-on leadership and oversight of day-to-day railroad operations, with safety as the highest priority.
- Lead, coach, mentor, and supervise department leaders, field crews, and operations employees.
- Monitor employee performance and conduct operational testing to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, safety standards, and productivity expectations.
- Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), GCOR, and company requirements.
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure employees consistently follow railroad operating rules, safety standards, policies, and procedures.
- Coordinate railroad operations, routine maintenance, track work, and other operational activities with internal departments.
- Plan and coordinate major infrastructure and capital improvement projects.
- Partner with management to monitor departmental budgets, capital project expenses, schedules, and financial performance.
- Perform and/or oversee track, equipment, and operational inspections.
- Identify opportunities to improve railroad infrastructure, operations, safety, and efficiency.
- Oversee contractors and third-party work performed on railroad property.
- Manage field resources, including labor, tools, equipment, and materials required for railroad maintenance and operations.
- Represent the railroad professionally when interacting with guests, regulatory agencies, elected officials, contractors, and members of the public.
- Support special events and other railroad operations as needed.
- Travel to company locations and project sites as required.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Benefits
- medical, dental, and vision insurance
- U.S. Railroad Retirement
- paid holidays
- paid sick leave
- paid time off
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
High school or GED
