Railroad Track Operations Manager

Socket.dev; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & certification

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Disability insurance

Life & AD&D

Paid time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking an experienced Railroad Track Operations Manager in Taneytown, MD to oversee derailment response, track maintenance, railcar repair, and specialty lifting.

You will lead field crews, coordinate projects, enforce DOT/FRA safety, and collaborate with customers and regulators while ensuring on-time, compliant results.

The role requires hands-on leadership, overnight travel, and a strong focus on safety, budgeting, and workforce development.

Qualifications

• Experience in railroad/ heavy equipment field operations.
• Demonstrated supervisory or field crew leadership.
• Strong knowledge of DOT and FRA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily field activities and support Supervisors across multiple projects.
• Plan manpower, equipment, schedules, and work assignments.
• Monitor project progress, productivity, costs, and completion timelines.
• Provide hands-on leadership during routine and emergency railroad operations.
• Respond to emergency service calls and assist with field problem-solving.
• Conduct job-site visits to identify safety concerns, operational risks, and quality issues.
• Maintain communication with railroad customers, field partners, and regulatory agencies.
• Train, coach, and mentor field employees.
• Assist with hiring, employee evaluations, and ongoing performance development.
• Support workforce planning, budgeting, and forecasting activities.
• Review payroll, labor hours, equipment usage, and other project documentation.
• Track equipment condition and coordinate maintenance or replacement when necessary.
• Assist with customer relationships and business development activities.
• Represent the company at relevant industry events.
• Ensure field work follows DOT, FRA, and company safety requirements.

Skills

Railroad operations

Team leadership

DOT and FRA regulations

Heavy equipment operation

Crane load charts

Problem solving

Communication

On-call readiness

Safety compliance

Reading plans

Tools

Microsoft Office

Operational software systems

Job description

Railroad Track Operations Manager

Location: Taneytown, MD
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Salary: $100,000/year — higher salary available depending on experience
CDL: Not required

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced field leader to help oversee railroad operations involving derailment response, track maintenance, railcar repair, and specialty lifting.

The Assistant Manager will work closely with field Supervisors and crews, providing direction, solving operational issues, monitoring job sites, and helping ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and according to customer and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily field activities and support Supervisors across multiple projects.
• Help plan manpower, equipment, schedules, and work assignments.
• Monitor project progress, productivity, costs, and completion timelines.
• Provide hands-on leadership during routine and emergency railroad operations.
• Respond to emergency service calls and assist with field problem-solving.
• Conduct job-site visits to identify safety concerns, operational risks, and quality issues.
• Maintain communication with railroad customers, field partners, and regulatory agencies.
• Train, coach, and mentor field employees.
• Assist with hiring, employee evaluations, and ongoing performance development.
• Support workforce planning, budgeting, and forecasting activities.
• Review payroll, labor hours, equipment usage, and other project documentation.
• Track equipment condition and coordinate maintenance or replacement when necessary.
• Assist with customer relationships and business development activities.
• Represent the company at relevant industry events.
• Ensure field work follows DOT, FRA, and company safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience in railroad, heavy equipment, construction, or related field operations preferred.
• Previous experience supervising or leading field crews.
• Strong understanding of DOT and FRA regulations.
• Experience operating or working with cranes, trucks, excavators, and other heavy equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret crane load charts and rigging requirements.
• Strong leadership, communication, coaching, and problem-solving abilities.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced and time-sensitive field environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn operational software systems.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Class A or Class B CDL preferred.
• Ability to complete required safety and certification programs.

Work Requirements

• Frequent overnight travel.
• On-call availability with the ability to report within 1 hour when needed.
• Outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Extended hours, including weekends and holidays, based on operational needs.
• Hands-on work in railroad environments requiring frequent walking and movement.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Benefits

• Training and certification opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Disability, Life & AD&D Insurance
• Paid Time Off and holidays
• Career advancement opportunities