Roadmaster (Railroad)

Mendocino Railway; Willits, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

U.S. Railroad Retirement

Paid time off

Job summary

Mendocino Railway in Willits, CA is hiring a Roadmaster to oversee the safe maintenance, inspection, and repair of track infrastructure across the 40-mile mainline. This leadership role ensures compliance with FRA regulations and company standards to keep trains moving safely.

The full-time, on-site position requires 4+ years of track maintenance experience, strong supervisory skills, and the ability to plan budgets, projects, and schedules while coordinating with operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational training preferred.
• Minimum 4+ years of experience in track maintenance.
• Leadership and supervisory experience required.
• Strong knowledge of FRA track safety standards and railroad maintenance practices.
• Ability to read and interpret track plans and construction documents.
• Pre-employment DOT drug screen and background check required prior to hiring.
• Valid driver’s license required; ability to obtain CDL is encouraged.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and work outdoors in varying conditions.
• Familiarity with small hand and power tools.
• Ability to work independently and lead a team effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and problem-solve.
• Must be reliable, punctual, and professional in appearance and demeanor.
• Must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and perform maintenance, repairs, and inspections of track, bridges, and roadbed.
• Supervise Maintenance of Way crews and ensure safe work practices.
• Develop, implement, and execute budgets, projects, schedules, and work plans.
• Inspect track and ROW infrastructure per CPUC, FRA and internal standards.
• Coordinate with railroad operations to minimize service disruptions during maintenance.
• Maintain inventory of track materials and equipment.
• Operate and ensure proper use of maintenance-of-way equipment and tools.
• Prepare reports and documentation related to track conditions, inspections, and repairs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

FRA safety knowledge

Track plans reading

Background checks

Education

High school diploma

Technical/Vocational training

Tools

Hand tools

MOW equipment

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.

Roadmaster (Railroad)

Full-Time Manual Labor Willits, CA, US

22 days ago Requisition ID: 1008

Salary Range: $80,000.00 To $90,000.00 Annually

Mendocino Railway is the owner/operator of freight and passenger railroads including the California Western Railroad (CWR) / Skunk Train which operates between Fort Bragg and Willits, California.

This Skunk Train is hiring a Roadmasterwho will be responsible for overseeing the safe maintenance, inspection, and repair of all track infrastructure across the 40-mile mainline. This leadership role ensures compliance with all applicable regulations (including those from the FRA) along with company standards to maintain the safe and efficient movement of equipment and trains across the line. This is a full-time position working onsite in Fort Bragg and Willits, CA.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to)

• Oversee and perform maintenance, repairs, and inspections of track, bridges, and roadbed.
• Supervise Maintenance of Way (MOW) crews and ensure safe work practices and job performance.
• Develop, implement, and execute budgets, projects, schedules, and work plans.
• Inspect track and ROW infrastructure in accordance with CPUC, FRA and internal standards.
• Coordinate with railroad operations to minimize service disruptions during maintenance.
• Maintain inventory of track materials and equipment.
• Operate and ensure proper use of maintenance-of-way equipment and tools.
• Prepare reports and documentation related to track conditions, inspections, and repairs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational training preferred.
• Minimum 4+ years of experience in track maintenance
• Leadership and supervisory experience required.
• Strong knowledge of FRA track safety standards and railroad maintenance practices.
• Ability to read and interpret track plans and construction documents.
• Pre-employment DOT drug screen and background check required prior to hiring.
• Valid driver’s license required; ability to obtain CDL is encouraged.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and work outdoors in varying conditions.
• Familiarity with small hand and power tools.
• Ability to work independently and lead a team effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and problem-solve.
• Must be reliable, punctual, and professional in appearance and demeanor.
• Must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

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 bend, reach, stoop, push, pull and use hand tools.
• 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

• Employment is full-time and includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, U.S. Railroad Retirement, paid holidays, paid sick leave, and paid time off.

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.