Equipment Operator

Sierra Railroad Company; Willits (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Sierra Railroad Company is seeking an Equipment Operator in Willits, CA. The role involves operating railroad maintenance vehicles, vegetation-management gear, and small engines to support rail operations, events, and safety protocols.

Candidates must be 18+, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass pre-employment screenings. The position includes evenings, weekends, and holidays with potential full-time or part-time hours.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Pre-employment drug screen and background check required.
• Valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record.
• Experience with railroad maintenance or heavy equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate railroad maintenance vehicles and equipment per operating rules.
• Perform pre-trip inspections and report unsafe conditions.
• Operate vegetation-management equipment as trained.
• Remove vegetation along the railroad right-of-way.
• Inspect and operate small engines, generators, and pumps.
• Perform basic mechanical and electrical troubleshooting.
• Assist with event setup and communicate with trains and crew.
• Monitor rights-of-way for hazards and respond to fires as trained.
• Use PPE and keep tools and areas clean and safe.
• Travel to company locations and project sites as required.

Skills

Communication skills

English proficiency

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Chainsaw operation

Small engines

Generators

Hand tools

Pumps

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Equipment Operator

Manual Labor Willits, CA, US

5 days ago Requisition ID: 1018

Salary Range: $21.00 To $24.00 Hourly

Mendocino Railway is the owner/operator of passenger and freight railroads including the California Western Railroad (CWR) / Skunk Trainand theRiver Fox Train.The world-famous Skunk Train is a standard gauge passenger railroad that was founded in 1885, and operates 40 miles between Fort Bragg and Willits, in Mendocino County, California.

The Skunk Trainis seeking a dependable, safety-conscious railroad Equipment Operator to join our team. This position is responsible for operating railroad equipment in support of railroad operations, events, vegetation management, fire response, and general railroad property & equipment maintenance.

This is a safety-sensitive position requiring individuals who can work independently, follow railroad operating and safety rules, recognize and respond to hazards and emergency situations. Candidate will be required to safely operate equipment and work outdoors in a variety of outdoor environments and weather conditions.

The position involves hands‑on work with railroad maintenance vehicles, small engines, generators, chainsaws, hand tools, event lighting, and other equipment. Employees may be required to respond to vegetation hazards, fires, equipment issues, and other conditions affecting the railroad right‑of‑way and infrastructure.

This can be a full‑time or part‑time position and includes working evenings, weekends, and holidays.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to)

• Safely operate railroad maintenance vehicles and other assigned equipment in accordance with Mendocino Railway operating rules, safety procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Perform pre‑trip inspections of railroad vehicles, trailers, tools, and equipment before use and report unsafe or defective conditions to proper authority.
• Operate chainsaws and other vegetation‑management equipment as trained and authorized.
• Safely perform tree, brush, limb, and vegetation removal along the railroad right‑of‑way.
• Inspect, and operate small engines, generators, pumps, and other gasoline‑or‑diesel‑powered equipment.
• Perform basic mechanical troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs on small engines and railroad equipment.
• Perform basic electrical troubleshooting.
• Assist with setup of events.
• Monitor railroad property and right‑of‑way for hazards, including fallen trees, debris, damaged infrastructure, vegetation, fires, trespassers, and other unsafe conditions.
• Respond appropriately to fires discovered on or near railroad property, including extinguishing fires when it is safe and within the employee's training and capabilities, and promptly reporting fires that cannot safely be controlled.
• Assist and communicate with emergency responders following orders when directed.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all required safety procedures.
• Maintain tools, equipment, vehicles, and work areas in a clean, safe, and serviceable condition.
• Use radio to communicate with trains and other equipment.
• Communicate effectively with guests, crew members and supervisors to ensure seamless service.
• Ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.
• Travel to company locations and project sites as required.
• Perform other railroad maintenance and operational duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Pre‑employment drug screen (including cannabis) and criminal background check required prior to hiring.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Previous railroad, maintenance‑of‑way, construction, forestry, logging, or heavy‑equipment experience preferred.
• Experience operating railroad maintenance vehicles, utility vehicles, or other off‑road equipment preferred.
• Chainsaw operation and maintenance experience preferred.
• Small‑engine repair and maintenance experience preferred.
• Generator and pump maintenance experience preferred.
• Basic electrical knowledge and troubleshooting skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience using hand and power tools.
• Experience working safely around heavy equipment and moving machinery.
• Experience working in remote or rugged outdoor environments a plus.
• Familiarity with railroad right‑of‑way operations and railroad safety practices a plus.
• Ability to learn and follow railroad operating rules, safety procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Ability to safely operate railroad maintenance vehicles and other assigned equipment after receiving required training.
• Ability to recognize hazards and make safety‑conscious decisions in a railroad environment.
• Ability to work independently and responsibly in remote areas of the railroad.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in rain, cold, heat, wind, mud, and other changing weather conditions.
• Must be willing and able to perform physically demanding work.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, early mornings, evenings, and emergency call‑outs when required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work with employees, contractors, regulatory representatives, public officials, and members of the public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand for extended periods and walk on uneven surfaces (train platforms, gravel, etc.).
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs. safely.
• Ability to walk, stand, climb, bend, kneel, stoop, and work on uneven, steep, muddy, or rugged terrain.
• Ability to safely operate chainsaws, hand tools, power tools, small engines, generators, and other maintenance equipment.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, carry, push, and pull tools, equipment, materials, and other objects as required.
• Ability to climb on and off railroad maintenance vehicles and equipment safely.
• Ability to work in areas with exposure to vegetation, insects, dust, mud, noise, smoke, heat, cold, rain, and other outdoor conditions.
• Ability to wear required PPE for extended periods, including hard hat, high‑visibility clothing, safety footwear, eye and hearing protection, gloves, and other task‑specific PPE.
• Ability to maintain situational awareness and respond appropriately to changing conditions around railroad tracks, equipment, vehicles, and other hazards.
• Comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor environments and around moving rail equipment (with provided safety training).
• Must be able to perform duties safely while on the tracks and a moving train.

BENEFITS & ADDITIONAL NOTES

• If employment is full‑time it includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement, paid holidays, paid sick leave, and paid time off.
• If employment is part‑time it includes paid sick leave and 401(k) retirement.

EEO Statement

Mendocino Railway is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disabled status or any other protected class.