Track Maintenance Manager - Houston, TX

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world’s supply chain moving. That’s what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you’re at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there’s one thread that ties everyone together. We’re all on the same team. One Watco .

Here’s what you can expect from Watco:

• Award-winning culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Operations training at the Safe Performance Center in Birmingham, Alabama
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

JOB SUMMARY
The Track Maintenance Manager will oversee the inspection, maintenance, and repair of track infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient rail operations. This role requires leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to maintaining compliance with federal and company regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Manage daily track maintenance activities, including repairs, inspections, and upgrades.
• Direct and mentor maintenance crews, ensuring productivity and adherence to safety standards.
• Enforce compliance with FRA regulations, OSHA standards, and company policies to maintain a safe work environment.
• Conduct and supervise track inspections to identify potential issues and coordinate corrective actions.
• Manage budgets, allocate resources, and coordinate material and equipment usage for track projects.
• Lead track-related emergency repairs to restore operations promptly.
• Work with operations and other departments to support track efficiency and safety.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years in track maintenance or railroad operations, prior leadership experience preferred but not required.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills; ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• FRA Track Inspector certification is a plus.
• Ability to lift heavy equipment, work outdoors in varying weather conditions, and perform physically demanding tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The Track Maintenance Manager will work in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow. The role involves exposure to moving trains, heavy machinery, and noisy environments. Safety equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots are mandatory.

Frequent travel to work sites across the terminal and short line system is required, along with occasional night and weekend work to respond to emergencies or meet operational demands.