Director, Fairbanks Operations (Alaska Railroad Employees Only)

State of Alaska•Fairbanks, AK

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Fairbanks Operations directs Fairbanks operations and workforce activities to ensure safe, efficient, and effective rail operations and yard, terminal, freight dock, and station services. The position has direct responsibility for the Transportation Department and dotted-line authority for Mechanical Department operations, and provides direct leadership to the Fairbanks management team. The Director establishes operating plans and policies, oversees train and freight movements, develops safety and contingency programs, and monitors operating performance. The role also manages Fairbanks Transportation operating and capital budgets, coordinates personnel actions and training, supports succession planning, and works with customers, connecting carriers, suppliers, other ARRC leaders, and the public. The Director may serve as Fairbanks Incident Commander or another key member of the Incident Management Team during actual or simulated emergencies. Work is approximately 60% in an office environment and 40% in the field, including shops, yards, track roadbed, and worksites throughout the railbelt. Field work involves exposure to railroad tracks and yards, varying weather, and other environmental discomforts; personal protective equipment is required. The incumbent must operate a motor vehicle and remain on call and available outside normal business hours and on weekends as necessary. Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree in Transportation, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and railroad operations experience. Relevant qualifying experience may substitute for education year for year. The position requires ten years of progressively responsible railroad operations experience, including at least three years of direct supervisory experience; working knowledge of standard business software; and a valid driver's license. Experience with a unionized or railroad-related workforce and mainline railroads is preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and railroad operations experience; relevant qualifying experience may substitute for education year for year.
Ten years of progressively responsible railroad operations experience.
At least three years of direct supervisory experience.
Working knowledge of standard business software, including word-processing and spreadsheet applications.
Valid driver's license.
Thorough knowledge of federal and state regulations governing movement of trains and vehicles on an operating railroad.
Familiarity with railroad functions, including car and mechanical operations, track maintenance, and train movement.
Proficiency with standard business software, including word-processing, spreadsheet, email, and related operational systems.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Strong leadership skills and ability to direct the Fairbanks management team.
Ability to investigate and deploy technologies, equipment, and systems supporting rail movement coordination and efficient resource allocation.
Ability to analyze and manage automation enhancements and technology upgrades for rail operations.
Ability to remain on call and available outside normal business hours and on weekends as necessary.
Ability to operate an ARRC or other motor vehicle.
Ability to work in field environments with exposure to railroad tracks and yards, varying weather, and other environmental discomforts; personal protective equipment is required in the field.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with a unionized or railroad-related workforce.
Experience working with mainline railroads.

Responsibilities

Establish and direct operating plans and policies for Fairbanks operations, including Transportation and dotted-line oversight of Mechanical Department operations.
Oversee timely train movements to improve efficiency, economy, and profitability.
Plan and direct receipt, handling, and distribution of rail freight at Fairbanks terminal facilities.
Maintain communication with connecting carriers and local suppliers to support cost-effective and timely movements.
Develop and administer Fairbanks safety programs, evaluate operating practices, assess incident reports, and participate in or direct incident and accident investigations as assigned.
Establish and model ARRC's desired safety culture in Fairbanks and enforce industry and ARRC safety standards.
Gather, collate, and analyze information about train movements, schedules, plans, and performance; maintain operational records and documentation; and produce performance reports.
Coordinate personnel actions in accordance with ARRC policies and collective bargaining agreements, and recommend agreement changes with Human Resources/Labor Relations as appropriate.
Develop employee training curriculum and succession plans for non-represented Fairbanks positions; guide and counsel management teams.
Meet periodically with customers, railroads, and others to review performance, address concerns, plan for events affecting operations, and develop improvement and monitoring initiatives.
Formulate and manage annual operating and capital budgets for Fairbanks Transportation and maintain controls to track actual performance against goals.
Establish and direct contingency plans to minimize disruption during abnormal right-of-way conditions or equipment failures, and develop the Fairbanks plan in accordance with ARRC Emergency Response guidelines.
May serve as Fairbanks Incident Commander or another key Incident Management Team position during actual and simulated emergencies.
Communicate ARRC strategic goals to Fairbanks employees and keep the Superintendent, Transportation, and Chief Mechanical Officer informed of significant events and progress.
Recommend actions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Fairbanks and ARRC systems.
Represent ARRC in Fairbanks public and business communities and perform other duties as directed.
Investigate, develop, and deploy technologies, equipment, and systems that coordinate rail movements and optimize staff, equipment, and infrastructure allocation.
Analyze, recommend, and manage automation enhancements and technology upgrades used in rail operations.
Apply technical and operational knowledge to identify effective and cost-efficient train operating methods.
Supervise and provide direct leadership to the Fairbanks management team in day-to-day operations.
Coordinate Fairbanks operations with ARRC senior managers, particularly the Superintendent, Transportation, Chief Mechanical Officer, and Safety Director.