Assistant Field Operations Manager – Railroad

Assistant Field Operations Manager - Railroad

Location: Allentown, PA

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Starting Salary: $100,000/year; higher salary available depending on experience

Position Summary

We are hiring an Assistant Field Operations Manager to help lead railroad field crews and emergency response activities. This role combines field leadership, project coordination, safety oversight, and hands-on support for operations involving derailments, rerailing, specialty lifting, railcar work, and track maintenance.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working in demanding field environments, making decisions under pressure, and supporting supervisors and crews across multiple job sites.

What You'll Do

• Support Supervisors and field crews across multiple assignments.
• Coordinate daily work, manpower, equipment, schedules, and project priorities.
• Monitor job progress, productivity, quality, safety, and costs.
• Provide hands-on direction, coaching, and problem-solving in the field.
• Respond to emergency railroad service calls when needed.
• Conduct regular job-site visits to identify safety concerns, operational risks, and quality issues.
• Communicate with customers, field partners, and regulatory personnel.
• Help recruit, train, coach, and evaluate employees.
• Assist with workforce planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Maintain accurate records for payroll, labor hours, equipment usage, and projects.
• Track equipment condition and coordinate necessary maintenance, repairs, or replacement.
• Support customer relationships and participate in industry events and professional activities.
• Ensure field operations comply with DOT and FRA regulations and applicable safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience in railroad, heavy equipment, construction, or related field operations preferred.
• Previous experience leading or supervising field-based teams.
• Working knowledge of DOT and FRA regulations.
• CDL Class A or B preferred.
• Experience operating heavy equipment, including cranes, trucks, and excavators.
• Ability to understand and use crane load charts and rigging requirements.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to coach and influence others.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn operational software.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to complete required safety training and certification programs.

Work Requirements

• Frequent overnight travel is required.
• Must be available for on-call assignments and able to report within 1 hour when called.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions and demanding railroad environments.
• Willingness to work extended hours, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.
• Hands-on field work involving walking and working around railroad equipment.
• 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