Rail Operations Leader — Safety, Efficiency & Growth

Sierra Railroad Company; Fort Bragg (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Mendocino Railway is hiring a Superintendent of Railroad Operations to provide hands-on leadership for day-to-day freight and passenger operations in Fort Bragg and Willits, CA. This full-time, on-site role emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable service for passengers and communities.

The ideal candidate will have practical railroad operations experience, strong knowledge of FRA/GCOR/CPU​C requirements, and a proven track record in supervising field teams and managing budgets and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in railroad operations, track inspection, MOE, and MOW track standards.
• Experience managing 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 regulatory requirements (CPU​C).
• Pre-employment DOT drug screen and background check.

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 goals.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with FRA/DOT/CPUC/CFR/GCOR and company requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure employees follow operating rules and procedures.
• Coordinate railroad operations, maintenance, track work, and other activities with internal departments.
• Plan and coordinate major infrastructure and capital improvement projects.
• Partner with management to monitor 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 on railroad property.
• Manage field resources, including labor, tools, equipment, and materials.
• Represent the railroad professionally with guests, regulators, officials, contractors, and the public.
• Support special events and other railroad operations as needed.
• Travel to company locations and project sites as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Regulatory knowledge (FRA/GCOR)

Project management

Safety culture

MS Office proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

CDL encouraged

Job description

Mendocino Railway is hiring a Superintendent of Railroad Operations to provide hands-on leadership for day-to-day freight and passenger operations in Fort Bragg and Willits, CA. This full-time, on-site role emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable service for passengers and communities.

The ideal candidate will have practical railroad operations experience, strong knowledge of FRA/GCOR/CPU​C requirements, and a proven track record in supervising field teams and managing budgets and