About this role
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.
Key Responsibilities
- Guide and support Supervisors across multiple field assignments.
- Coordinate work activities, track project progress, and help ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget.
- Provide hands-on leadership, coaching, and problem-solving in the field.
- Respond to emergency service calls when needed.
- Visit job sites regularly to review safety, quality, productivity, and potential risks.
- Communicate with railroad customers, field partners, and regulatory agencies.
- Train, mentor, and develop employees while assisting with hiring, performance reviews, and ongoing coaching.
- Assist with workforce planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
- Maintain accurate payroll, labor-hour, equipment-use, and project records.
- Monitor equipment condition and coordinate repairs, maintenance, or replacement as necessary.
- Support customer relationships and business development through industry events and professional engagement.
- Ensure field operations follow DOT and FRA regulations and applicable company standards.
Qualifications & Skills
- Experience in railroad, heavy equipment, or related field operations preferred.
- Strong understanding of DOT and FRA regulations .
- CDL Class A or B preferred.
- Previous leadership experience managing field-based teams.
- Experience operating heavy equipment such as cranes, trucks, and excavators .
- Ability to read and interpret crane load charts and rigging requirements .
- Strong communication skills with the ability to lead, coach, and influence team members.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn operational software systems.
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to successfully complete required safety and certification programs.
Work Requirements
- Frequent overnight travel.
- On-call availability with the ability to report within 1 hour when called.
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions and in physically demanding railroad environments.
- Extended hours, including weekends and holidays, as operational needs require.
- Hands-on work involving walking and working around railroad equipment and active field environments.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Benefits
- Competitive starting salary
- Training and certification opportunities
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Disability, Life & AD&D insurance
- Paid Time Off and holidays
- Career advancement opportunities