Assistant Roadmaster

Patriot Branding 2026; Illinois; On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Patriot Rail is seeking a Roadmaster to assist in managing and scheduling crews, ensuring FRA standards are met and safety is prioritized on rail infrastructure projects.

The role oversees track inspections, grinding operations, and coordination with FRA, dispatch, and agencies. A strong background in GCOR and rail operations is required, with supervisory experience highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five track related experience required.
• FRA requirements knowledge for operation and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Schedules and supervises crews who maintain and install ties and rail and inspects repairs.
• Oversees test cars to inspect joint bars, track geometry, rail flaws, and vegetation.
• Oversees rail grinding process.
• Ensures FRA safety standards are met and consults with FRA regularly.
• Manages bid process and supervises external contractors to project completion.
• Coordinates with Dispatch and agencies to schedule crossings and track shut-downs.
• Performs accident investigations to ensure safety and prevent recurrence.

Skills

Track supervision

Rail operations

Safety compliance

FRA standards

GCOR knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

5 years track experience

Job description

This position assists the Roadmaster in managing and scheduling crews as well as maintaining FRA standards. This position is employed by an affiliated company of Patriot Rail.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Schedules and supervises crews who maintain and install ties and rail and inspects repairs when complete.
• Oversees the operation of test cars to inspect joint bars and track geometry, detect rail flaws, and kill vegetation.
• Oversees the rail grinding process.
• Ensures track FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) safety standards are met and meets with FRA regularly to receive feedback regarding track conditions.
• Manages the bid process and supervises external contractors to project completion.
• Coordinates with Dispatch and state and local agencies to schedule railroad crossing rebuilds and/or track shut-downs.
• Performs accident investigations to ensure a safe environment and prevent reoccurrence.
• Assists Roadmaster as needed to plan and meet budget targets for overtime, materials, equipment and tools, maintenance, contractors costs, and crew credit cards.
• Participates with Transportation and Mechanical departments on the safety committee.
• Additional duties as assigned.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge, understanding and compliance of safety, GCOR, and internal policies and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of railroad operations, including,but not limited to, transportation, maintenance of way, mechanical, and clerical activities. Knowledge of FRA requirements and reporting specific to the operation and movement of trains.
• Minimum of five (5) track related experience required. Previous supervisory experience in railroad operations helpful.
• FRA213 (track standards) and FRA214 (safety) qualified preferred
• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university preferred; or two years related experience may be substituted for each year of college.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, with internal and external executive level management.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

COMPETENCIES:

§ Verbal comprehension
Understand oral and written communications, both general and technical.

§ Reasoning skills
Problem solving and troubleshooting skills.

§ Functional/ Technical Skills
Has the technical and functional background to perform job duties at a high level of competence.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Medium to heavy work, lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 80 pounds.
• Stoop/bend/kneel/crouch/crawl/balance/climb.
• Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places.
• Ride on the outside of rail equipment for long periods of time.
• Walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection.
• Must meet color vision requirements as described in the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Regulations.
• Must have open availability.
• Work outside in all weather conditions.

ANTICIPATED PERCENT OF TRAVEL:

50%-100%

SAFETY:

Safety is the cornerstone value in our Company. Our employees are expected to live our values on the job in how we work, how we act, and how we create value. Safety is a personal responsibility. We are professionals and our activities must reflect that professionalism. Each team member must demonstrate safety advocacy every day – regardless of their role in the Company. Compliance with safety and operating rules is required and essential to our own safety and that of others.

“The Patriot Way.”

At Patriot, we value our relationships – with our customers, employees, shareholders, communities and other stakeholders. We know that safety, integrity, reliability, ethical behavior and exceptional customer service are critical to building and maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relationships. Everyone at Patriot – from the mailroom to the boardroom – embraces those values. More importantly, as a team, we make it our business to demonstrate them in everything we do. It’s “The Patriot Way.”

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.