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Kansas City Southern Careers

The Kansas City Southern Railway, better known as simply the KCS, may be our country’s smallest Class I railroad in terms of route miles, surrounded by the other four giants Union Pacific, BNSF Railway, CSX Transportation, and Norfolk Southern (six including the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific). However, the railroad is the second oldest Class I still in operation, next to the Union Pacific, and its history dates back to the late 19th century. Other than the Union Pacific, the KCS is the only remaining Class I railroad whose name has never changed prior to the diesel era. In recent years the railroad has witnessed substantial growth by acquiring four different railroads, two of which are located in Mexico.

In any event, Kansas City Southern careers vary depending on what field you are interested but for the purposes of this site we will stick with, of course, railroading positions, which range from operating the trains themselves to maintaining the track and property.

Class I railroads are in a "league of their own" so to speak in the industry. They are obviously the largest systems nationwide and many people are drawn to work for them over smaller railroads because of the excellent pay and benefits they offer. However, there is a downside. Railroading is tough enough but it is even tougher on Class Is where the hours are extremely long, rest is a luxury and you never know when you will be called out again.

And on that note please let me say that if you are here searching for railroad jobs and have never worked for a railroad or know much about the industry please let me warn you that such a career is not for the faint of heart. Railroading is hard 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! Still, for many the pay, benefits, retirement and general love of the job make it all worthwhile.

If you think you may be interested in a position with KCS it is the smallest of the Class I systems and operates in south, through Texas and now in portions of Mexcio. To search for Kansas City Southern careers please feel free to use the search box below from Indeed.com, one of the leading online career resource guides.

Kansas City Southern careers, as with all Class Is, 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 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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