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South Dakota Railroad Jobs

Unfortunately, if you are interested in South Dakota railroad jobs the state is sparse on operating trackage as today there are only about 1,800 miles still in service. Most this track is owned by Class I's BNSF Railway and Canadian Pacific (making up about 89% of the total) while regional Dakota, Missouri Valley, & Western operates in South Dakota along with a few shortlines. Due to the state's northern plains location its primary freight is still agricultural-related, which makes up 73% of its originated traffic with chemicals, food products, and others making up the rest. If you would like to get a better idea of the railroads that operate in South Dakota and what they typically carry please click here to view the Association of American Railroads' report on the state.

If you are interested in a career as a railroader I would very much recommend taking the time to learn as much as can about the industry beforehand. Of course, I cannot provide you with firsthand experience as I have not worked in railroading myself. I was certainly interested in doing so until I learned how long the hours would be and the amount of time one was required to be away from home. Typically railroaders (for Class Is) work 12-hour days, all week long. Of course, the pay, benefits, and retirement are excellent (some engineers, for instance, earn six-digit incomes in a single calender year). In the end, it simply comes down to you and whether you feel the long hours are worth it or not.

In any event, for more information regarding South Dakota railroad jobs, please visit the links below or the railroad's individual contact information concerning possible openings. Please note that I cannot guarantee that either the links or information listed below is entirely accurate although to the best of my knowledge it is up-to-date. Finally, if you are a college student looking for a business-related internship consider checking out the career pages of the Class Is listed below as many offer these programs during the summer months (others also offer scholarships).

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

Class I Railroads

BNSF Railway

Canadian Pacific Railway

Regional, Class II Railroads

Dakota, Missouri Valley & Western Railroad: The DMV&W is a Class II, regional that began operations in 1990 on former Soo Line trackage. Today, the railroad owns about 88 miles of its own lines and leases another 435 miles from Canadian Pacific (successor to the Soo). The railroad is predominantly located in North Dakota and Montana although it does reach Britton, South Dakota. If you would like to contact the railroad to inquire about possible job opportunities please click here to visit their website.

Shortline, Class III Railroads

D&I Railroad: This shortline is owned by L.G. Everist, Inc. Currently, it operates between Dell Rapids and Sioux City with a branch serving Beresford. The railroad has interchange points with both the Union Pacific and BNSF Railway. To inquire about possible openings please visit L.G. Everist's website.

Dakota Southern Railway: This large shortline operates nearly 200 miles of track between Kadoka and Mitchell on rails originally owned by the late Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad (the Milwaukee Road). It began in 1985 upon the Milwaukee's takeover by the Soo Line. To contact the railroad; 408 East Prospect Street, Chamberlain, South Dakota 57325. Phone 605-734-6595.

Ellis & Eastern Railroad: This shortline railroad began operations in 1989 serving the communities of Ellis and Brandon on a route that is nearly 15 miles in length. The railroad is currently owned by Concrete Materials, a division of Sweetman Construction, Inc. To contact the shortline please click here.

Sisseton Milbank Railroad: This railroad (also known as "The Barley Line" began as early as 1982 on former Milwaukee Road trackage covering about 37 miles known as the Dakota Rail system. In 1989 it gained its current name and mostly hauls agricultural products (such as grain) to an interchange point in Millbank. To contact the railroad about potential employment please click here to visit their website.

Sunflour Railroad: The Sunflour Railroad operates about 26 miles of trackage, originally owned by the Soo, between Rosholt and Veblen. The railroad began operations in 2000 and interchanges with the CP at Rosholt. For contact information; P.O. Box 50, Claire City, South Dakota 57224. Phone 303-296-0900.

Twin Cities & Western Railroad: The TC&W began in 1991 and operates more than 200 miles of track in the state of Minnesota between the Twin Cities and Appleton. It operates no track in South Dakota but does have trackage rights reaching Millbank. If you would like to contact the railroad concerning employment please click here to visit their website.

For more information about shortline railroads that serve South Dakota please click here to visit the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association's website.

Please Click Here To Return To The Main Railroad Jobs Section

Finally, if a career in railroading is right for you but you would like to learn more about what it takes to work in the industry you might want to consider the book Working on the Railroad from noted author Brian Solomon. Solomon's book details the history of working in the railroad industry and the difficulties and hardship employees faced back then as well as today. After reading this book you should have no doubts about whether working in the industry is something you are truly interested in. In any event, if you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit the link below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.

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Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. Please note that while I strive to present the information as accurately as possible I am aware that there may be errors. If you have potential corrections the help is greatly appreciated.