Dispatcher, Rail

Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority•Austin, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dispatcher, Rail reports directly to the Supervisor, Rail Dispatch and is responsible for the safe, accurate, and compliant real-time dispatching of trains on the CapMetro Railroad system, including passenger, freight, and excursion service. This role executes the operating rules, timetables, and special instructions established by the Chief Dispatcher, under the daily shift leadership of the Supervisor, Rail Dispatch. The Dispatcher issues track warrants, permits, and movement authorities; monitors train movement and conditions affecting movement; and coordinates the response to unplanned events and emergency situations to minimize passenger inconvenience and limit delays. This is an individual-contributor, safety-sensitive position: the Dispatcher exercises real-time operational authority over train movement in accordance with operating rules but does not hold formal supervisory (HR) authority over train crews, Maintenance of Way, or signal employees — that authority resides with the Supervisor, Rail Dispatch and field leadership.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
Three (3) years' experience as a railroad engineer or in a closely related railroad operations role.
Must be able to pass all required tests prior to completing the training period.
Subject to pre-employment background check and motor vehicle report review.
Maintain a valid driver's license and endorsements as required for the position.
Pass pre-employment DOT physical, medical evaluation, and drug screen due to the safety-sensitive nature of this position.
Must successfully pass color/vision examinations as required by the position.
Successfully complete and maintain required safety certification and testing on an annual basis.
Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly and accurately, including issuing oral instructions, using a variety of communication devices.
Ability to type 35 words per minute and accurately input data into computer systems.
Ability to make quick and accurate decisions in a high-pressure, safety-sensitive environment.
Knowledge of applicable operating rules, procedures, and industry practices (signals, dispatching, track, bridges) relating to the conduct of rail passenger and freight operations.
Exceptional interpersonal skills to communicate effectively and sensitively with all levels of supervisory and non-supervisory employees and a politically, economically, and culturally diverse workforce.
Ability to hold self-accountable, focus on results, make sound real-time decisions under pressure, and accurately analyze fast-changing operational information.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with train crews, field employees, Supervisors, and contractors, and to handle daily operational challenges and adjust to changing conditions.
Strong problem-solving abilities, organizational skills, and situational awareness in a real-time, safety-sensitive dispatching environment.
Skilled in dispatching rail passenger and freight service in the context of a multi-modal transit operation.
Experience with word processing, spreadsheet, and dispatching or scheduling software packages.

Nice To Haves

bachelor's degree preferred
Previous train dispatching experience preferred

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with federal and CapMetro safety rules, policies, and procedures; respond to safety concerns and take appropriate action within established authority, escalating to the Supervisor, Rail Dispatch as needed.
Maintain thorough knowledge of territory and physical characteristics, train schedules (arrivals/departures), and destinations.
Issue and ensure the accuracy and timeliness of track bulletins, track warrants, permits, movement authorities, and communications to all employees operating on or near the railroad.
Monitor train movement and conditions affecting movement, such as weather, train crew availability, and equipment availability; coordinate responses to unplanned events and emergency situations to minimize passenger inconvenience and limit delays to affected trains.
Direct the real-time movement of trains and issue operational instructions to train crews, Maintenance of Way, and signal employees working on or near the railroad tracks in accordance with operating rules and dispatching authority; this operational direction is distinct from, and does not include, formal supervisory responsibility for those employees.
Perform administrative duties relative to hours-of-service requirements, hazardous materials, documentation of train movements and delays incurred, updating Digital Message Signs (DMS), and reporting rule violations.
Promptly and accurately document dispatching activity, authorities issued, incidents, and delays in accordance with internal procedures and applicable FRA recordkeeping requirements.
Notify the Supervisor, Rail Dispatch promptly of service disruptions, rule deviations, safety concerns, or conditions requiring supervisory attention or escalation.
Support Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Safety Management Systems (SMS) process by ensuring staff follows safety and security policies, considers safety in every action, and ensures safety and security concerns are reported.
Perform other rail-related duties as assigned.