Roadmaster

Division/Department: Maintenance of Way

Job Title: Roadmaster 

Reports To: Superintendent of Operations 

Type of Position: Exempt (Salaried) 

Employee Classification: Full Time, Regular (Benefits-Eligible) 

Compensation: $72,000-$82,000/year 

Location: Durango, CO 

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNG), is seeking an experienced Roadmaster to join our Maintenance of Way team in Durango, CO.  This critical leadership role oversees the safe, reliable, and high-quality maintenance of our legendary 45-mile narrow gauge (3-foot) track through the stunning San Juan Mountains.  

As Roadmaster, you'll ensure the track infrastructure supports daily steam-powered passenger excursions while preserving the railroad's heritage and complying with all regulatory standards. 

Benefits Offered: Comprehensive benefits package, including medical/Rx, dental, vision, company-funded H.S.A., company sponsored life insurance, 401(k) with match, paid time off, and more. 

Responsibilities 

• Lead and supervise track maintenance crews in inspection, repair, and renewal of track, roadbed, bridges, culverts, and related infrastructure. 

• Conduct regular track inspections (walking, hi-rail, and visual) in accordance with Track Safety Standards and company policies. 

• Develop and implement maintenance plans, work schedules, and capital improvement projects to maintain safe operating conditions year-round, including snow removal and avalanche-prone area considerations. 

• Ensure compliance with track standards, and internal safety protocols; prepare required inspection reports and documentation. 

• Manage on-track safety for work crews and coordinate with train operations to protect work zones and schedule track windows. 

• Oversee material procurement, equipment usage, and budget for track-related activities. 

• Respond to emergencies, including derailments, weather events, rockslides, or other incidents affecting track integrity; be available for on-call duties. 

• Foster a strong safety culture, conduct safety briefings, training, and audits; promote teamwork and accountability among employees. 

• Collaborate with other departments (Operations, Mechanical, Engineering) to support overall railroad performance and guest experience. 

Qualifications 

• Strong leadership skills are a requirement for this role.  The candidate selected for the Roadmaster position must possess the ability to drive Safe Production while fostering teamwork among the Maintenance of Way employees as well as the ability to proactively communicate and collaborate with other department heads, senior leadership and ownership.
• Minimum 5+ years of progressive experience in railroad track maintenance and inspection, with at least 2–3 years in a supervisory or foreman role (narrow gauge or tourist/heritage railroad experience highly preferred). 
• Sufficient computer (PC) skills to manage employee schedules, track capital expenditures and labor costs (Excel, Word, Outlook and other programs as required).
• Demonstrated ability to build and implement processes for regular inspection, defect identification and routine maintenance of tracks, roadbed, bridges and culverts.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, lead and implement large capital projects.

• Thorough knowledge of railroad maintenance practices and FRA standards. 
• Experience and knowledge of Railroad operating rules.

• Strong understanding of track geometry, rail defects, tie replacement, surfacing, and drainage systems. 

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, track charts, and engineering plans. 
• Physical ability to work in remote, high altitude mountainous terrain with irregular surface and walking conditions, variable and often extreme weather including heat, rain, high water, high winds and snowstorms. 

• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. 

• Valid driver's license and clean motor vehicle report. 

• Ability to pass pre-employment drug test and ongoing random and post-accident drug testing if applicable.  

• Ability to pass pre-employment and ongoing Physical Capabilities Evaluations. 

Work Environment

• Field work will include work in remote, high altitude mountainous terrain with irregular surface and walking conditions, variable and often extreme weather including heat, rain, high water, high winds and snowstorms. Significant walking on irregular surfaces will be required.
• Office environment while handling employee scheduling, emails, project and expense tracking as well as other administrative tasks.