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Iowa Railroad Jobs

As with almost every other state the largest employers for Iowa railroad jobs and positions are the large Class I systems. However, the state also has its share of smaller railroads as well although it is usually much harder to find a position within these companies due to their small size.

If you have never worked for a railroad or know much about the industry please let me warn you that a career in the field is not for the faint of heart. Railroading is tough work and takes a dedicated breed not only to handle the physical demands required but also the mental fatigue, as working 12-hour, seven-day-a-week shifts is normal (and overtime is mandatory).

While a more predictable work schedule does come with seniority, don’t expect it to happen within a short period of time. Some railroaders wait 20 years or more to land a “9 to 5” workday, which usually consists of working yard or local jobs. There is a reason why railroaders say that railroading becomes a lifestyle, its not just saying! Having said that, if you are able to hire on with a shortline (Class III) or regional (Class II) railroad the opportunity for a more predictable schedule is very likely although the pay is not quite as good. Having said that below is a list of many railroads operating in Iowa:

Class Is

Amtrak (Our nation's intercity passenger rail carrier serves Iowa.)

BNSF Railway

Canadian National Railway

Canadian Pacific Railway

Union Pacific

Shortlines and Regionals

Appanoose County Community Railroad

Burlington Junction Railway

Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway

D&I Railroad

Iowa Interstate Railroad

Iowa Northern Railway

Iowa Northwestern Railroad

Iowa River Railroad

Iowa Traction Railroad

Keokuk Junction Railway

For more information about shortline railroads that serve Iowa please click here to visit the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association's website. Also, please visit the shortline railroad guide here at the site to learn more about some of the above shortline companies.

Lastly, to search for Iowa railroad jobs directly please use the below search box from Indeed.com.

Iowa railroad jobs, as anywhere else, range from locomotive engineer and conductor to track maintainer and dispatcher. If you are not sure exactly what position you may be interested in please click here to head back to the main jobs to explore which one may be right for you. Also, if a career in railroading is right for you but you would like to learn more about the industry feel free to browse the large selection of books at The Railroad Diamond (to visit the store click the tab in the menu to your left marked "TRD Store"), and if you need or would like help in making a selection please feel free to contact me.

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