Supervisor - Railroad Maintenance

Job DetailsJob Location: Omaha Zoo - Omaha, NE 68107Position Type: Full TimeJob Title: Supervisor - Railroad Maintenance
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Classification: Full-time
Hours: Working days will be Wednesday - Sunday or Thursday - Monday
Pay Rate: Range starts at $55,477/year

Summary:

This role provides technical leadership for the Omaha Zoo Railroad by building, leading, and continuously improving a comprehensive railroad maintenance program. This position is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair, restoration, and long-term reliability of the Zoo's railroad assets, including historic steam locomotives, diesel locomotive, passenger coaches, railroad track, switches, signals, crossings, and supporting infrastructure and reports to the Chief Campus Operations Officer.

This is a working supervisor position that combines hands-on technical expertise with team leadership. The Supervisor works alongside Railroad Maintenance Technicians and Seasonal Steam Locomotive Engineers while establishing maintenance standards, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), creating technical training programs, and implementing preventive maintenance strategies that promote safe, reliable, and efficient railroad operations.

This Supervisor serves as the Zoo's subject matter expert for railroad mechanical systems and infrastructure while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement. This position plays a critical role in preserving one of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium's signature guest experiences by developing a sustainable railroad maintenance program that supports current operations and future growth.

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

Railroad Maintenance Program Development and Leadership


Build, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive railroad maintenance program for the Omaha Zoo Railroad.
Establish maintenance standards, best practices, and procedures that support safety, reliability, operational readiness, and long-term asset preservation.
Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for railroad maintenance, inspections, emergency response, and safe work practices.
Develop preventive and predictive maintenance programs for locomotives, rolling stock, track infrastructure, switches, signals, and supporting systems.
Establish maintenance documentation standards, inspection procedures, equipment histories, and recordkeeping practices.
Evaluate industry best practices and incorporate improvements into railroad maintenance and operating procedures.
Develop technical training programs, qualification standards, and competency requirements for Railroad Maintenance Technicians and Seasonal Steam Locomotive Engineers.
Build a culture focused on safety, craftsmanship, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.


Supervision and Staff Development


Provide leadership, direction, and supervision to Railroad Maintenance Technicians.
Recruit, train, schedule, mentor, and supervise Seasonal Steam Locomotive Engineers.
Assign and prioritize daily, weekly, seasonal, and annual maintenance activities.
Provide coaching, feedback, and development opportunities to team members.
Conduct safety meetings, job briefings, and technical training sessions.
Promote cross-training and knowledge transfer to support long-term organizational sustainability.


Steam Locomotive and Railroad Equipment Maintenance


Plan, supervise, and participate in the inspection, maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, restoration, and overhaul of the Omaha Zoo Railroad.
Maintain and support Steam Locomotives No. 104 and No. 119, including:

Boilers and steam systems
Running gear
Valve gear
Lubrication systems
Braking systems
Mechanical components
Auxiliary equipment


Maintain diesel locomotive systems and passenger coaches.
Coordinate annual inspections, boiler inspections, testing, and required documentation.
Perform mechanical troubleshooting and determine appropriate repair strategies.
Coordinate welding, fabrication, machining, and specialized repair activities.
Maintain accurate maintenance records, inspection documentation, and repair histories.


Track, Signal, and Railroad Infrastructure


Develop and implement inspection and maintenance programs for railroad track, rail, ties, ballast, switches, crossings, drainage systems, signals, and right-of-way.
Coordinate track maintenance activities including tie replacement, rail repairs, switch adjustments, alignment, and surfacing.
Inspect and maintain railroad signals, switch mechanisms, warning devices, and operational safety systems.
Identify infrastructure deficiencies and develop recommendations for repair, replacement, and capital improvement projects.
Ensure railroad infrastructure supports safe and reliable daily operations.


Safety and Complianc