Senior Rail Operations Leader — Safety & Excellence

Mendocino Railway; Fort Bragg (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Mendocino Railway in Fort Bragg, CA seeks a Superintendent to provide hands-on leadership of railroad operations, with safety as the top priority. This on-site role oversees both passenger and freight activities, ensuring safe, efficient and reliable service for guests and communities.

The position requires supervision of department leaders and field crews, regulatory knowledge (FRA, GCOR, CPUC), budget oversight, and the ability to coordinate capital projects.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• 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.
• Strong knowledge of FRA regulations and railroad safety requirements.
• Familiarity with GCOR and CPUC requirements.
• Pre-employment DOT drug screen and background check required.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL encouraged.
• Experience overseeing passenger and freight operations preferred.
• Ability to read track plans and construction documents.
• Excellent communication with various stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills; attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Able to lift 50+ lbs and work outdoors.
• Available weekends, evenings, and holidays.

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 for regulatory and safety compliance.
• Ensure compliance with FRA, DOT, CPUC, CFR, GCOR and company requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture and enforce operating rules, safety standards, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinate railroad operations, maintenance, track work, and other activities with internal departments.
• Plan and coordinate major infrastructure and capital improvement projects.
• Monitor departmental 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, public.
• Support special events and other railroad operations as needed.
• Travel to company locations and project sites as required.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Safety culture

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Budget management

Staff development

Supervisory experience

Track inspection knowledge

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Excel

Outlook

Word

PowerPoint

Teams

Job description

Mendocino Railway in Fort Bragg, CA seeks a Superintendent to provide hands-on leadership of railroad operations, with safety as the top priority. This on-site role oversees both passenger and freight activities, ensuring safe, efficient and reliable service for guests and communities.

The position requires supervision of department leaders and field crews, regulatory knowledge (FRA, GCOR, CPUC), budget oversight, and the ability to coordinate capital projects.