Superintendent of Railroad Operations

Mendocino Railway; Fort Bragg (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Paid time off

U.S. Railroad Retirement

Job summary

Mendocino Railway in Fort Bragg, CA, is seeking a Superintendent of Railroad Operations to lead day-to-day freight and passenger services, ensure safety, and uphold regulatory compliance while delivering a high-quality guest experience. The role requires hands-on leadership of field crews, coordination with contractors, and oversight of budgets, capital projects, and safety programs under FRA, GCOR, CPUC rules.

Ability to read track plans and manage operations outdoors is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in railroad operations, track inspection, MOE/MOW track standards.
• Experience managing priorities, projects, budgets, and resources.
• Supervisory or management experience in a railroad environment.
• Knowledge of FRA regulations, GCOR, CPUC requirements.
• Pre-employment DOT drug screen and background check.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on leadership and oversight of day-to-day railroad operations with safety as priority.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and supervise department leaders, field crews, and operations staff.
• Monitor performance, regulatory compliance, and productivity goals.
• Coordinate operations with internal departments and manage track, equipment inspections.
• Plan major infrastructure and capital projects and monitor budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Safety oversight

Communication

MS Office

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

We are hiring an Superintendent of Railroad Operations to provide hands-on leadership and oversight of our railroad operations in Mendocino County California. This is a highly visible leadership position responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of our railroad while supporting an exceptional experience for our passengers, guests, staff, and the communities we serve. This is a full-time position working onsite in Fort Bragg and Willits, CA.

The ideal candidate brings practical experience in freight and/or passenger railroad operations, a strong working knowledge of railroad safety and regulatory requirements (including FRA), a keen eye for detail, and demonstrated success leading employees and field operations. This position works closely with all facets of railroad employees and operations, including but not limited to contractors, department leaders, management, members of the public, public officials, and regulatory agencies.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to)

• 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 expectations including but not limited to those contained in the CFR, GCOR, railroad related policies, safety rules, standards, and productivity goals.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), GCOR, and company requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure employees consistently follow railroad operating rules, safety standards, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinate railroad operations, routine maintenance, track work, and other operational activities with internal departments.
• Plan and coordinate major infrastructure and capital improvement projects.
• Partner with management to 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 performed on railroad property.
• Manage field resources, including labor, tools, equipment, and materials required for railroad maintenance and operations.
• Represent the railroad professionally when interacting with guests, regulatory agencies, elected officials, contractors, and members of the 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.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in railroad operations, track inspection, Maintenance of Equipment (MOE), and Maintenance of Way (MOW) track standards.
• Experience managing operational 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 railroad regulatory requirements, including CPUC requirements.
• Pre-employment DOT drug screen and background check required prior to hiring.
• Valid driver’s license required; ability to obtain CDL is encouraged.
• Experience overseeing both passenger and freight railroad operations preferred.
• Experience coordinating significant railroad infrastructure or capital improvement projects a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret track plans and construction documents.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work with employees, contractors, regulatory representatives, public officials, and members of the public.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and work outdoors in varying conditions.
• 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.