Railroad Field Operations Assistant Manager
Locations: Candor, NC | Allentown, PA
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 Assistant Manager to help lead field operations involving railroad emergency response, derailment recovery, specialty lifting, railcar repair, and track maintenance.
This is an active leadership role requiring regular interaction with field crews, Supervisors, railroad customers, partners, and regulatory agencies. The successful candidate will help coordinate people and equipment, address operational challenges, and maintain safety, quality, and productivity standards.
What You'll Do
- Assist Supervisors with planning and managing multiple field assignments.
- Coordinate crews, manpower, equipment, schedules, and changing project priorities.
- Track project progress, labor, costs, schedules, and customer requirements.
- Provide hands-on support and direction during field operations and emergency response.
- Conduct regular site visits to evaluate safety, quality, productivity, and potential operational risks.
- Communicate directly with railroad customers, field partners, and regulatory agencies.
- Train, coach, and mentor employees.
- Assist with recruiting, hiring, and performance management activities.
- Support workforce planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
- Review payroll, labor hours, equipment utilization, and project documentation for accuracy.
- Monitor equipment condition and coordinate maintenance, repairs, or replacement as needed.
- Assist with customer relationship development and industry events.
- Identify operational challenges and help develop practical solutions.
- Ensure field activities follow applicable DOT, FRA, and company safety requirements.
Qualifications
- Experience in railroad, heavy equipment, construction, or related field operations preferred.
- Previous experience supervising or managing field personnel.
- Working knowledge of DOT and FRA regulations.
- Experience working around or operating heavy equipment, including cranes, trucks, and excavators.
- Ability to interpret crane load charts and understand rigging requirements.
- Strong leadership, communication, coaching, and problem-solving abilities.
- Comfortable using Microsoft Office and learning operational software.
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Class A or Class B CDL preferred, but not required.
- Ability to complete required safety training and certification programs.
Work Environment & Schedule
- Frequent overnight travel required.
- Must be available for on-call assignments and able to report within 1 hour when required.
- Outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
- Extended work schedules, including weekends and holidays, may be required based on operational needs.
- Active field position involving walking through railroad work areas and other physically demanding environments.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Disability, Life & AD&D Insurance
- Paid Time Off and holidays
- Training and certification opportunities
- Career advancement opportunities
