Manager, Train Operations (Palestine, IL)

INDIANA RAILROAD COMPANY•Palestine, IL

3d•$91,000 - $123,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Train Operations oversees train operations and is responsible for the safe, efficient, and economical movement of trains in accordance with railroad rules, regulations, and instructions. The role supervises Train Operators and coordinates the daily operating plan, train movements, safety initiatives, performance evaluations, inspections, incident response, asset utilization, and customer service. The position reports to the Director, Service Operations.

Requirements

At least 5 years of railroad operations experience.
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Valid driver's license in good standing.
Must be able to fulfill requirements for obtaining and maintaining engineer certification.
Obtain and maintain locomotive engineer and conductor certifications within 2 years of hire.
Obtain and maintain Designated Supervisor Locomotive Engineer (DSLE) certification within 2 years of hire.
Interpret and understand FRA, GCOR, On-Track Worker Safety Rules, labor agreements, and company rules and procedures.
Complete annual training and pass the safety operating rules examination.
Pass required assessments, training, and testing; background screening; and pre-employment medical examination, including drug and physical-capabilities tests.
Submit to random drug and/or alcohol testing as required by federal regulations.
Meet FRA color vision and hearing acuity requirements.
Demonstrate interpersonal, communication, verbal comprehension, reasoning, decision-making, accountability, teamwork, and supervisory skills.
Be proficient with computer systems, including Microsoft Office Suite and various locomotive download programs.
Work a nonstandard schedule with rotating on-call responsibilities that may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Wear required protective equipment, including hearing protection, safety boots, vest, and safety glasses.
Meet the physical requirements of the role, including walking long distances over uneven terrain; working around moving equipment; climbing locomotives; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds and rare lifting up to 83 pounds; and performing reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, sitting, standing, balancing, and lifting.
Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward spaces and ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods.
Work outdoors in all weather conditions, in an office setting, vehicle, or cab, and at heights up to 20 feet; tolerate noise and possible exposure to dust, pollen, fumes, and other adverse environmental conditions.

Nice To Haves

Management experience.
Bachelor’s degree.
At least 3 years of experience as a Locomotive Engineer.
At least 3 years of experience as a Supervisor Locomotive Engineer (SLE).

Responsibilities

Supervise and coordinate the daily activities of Train Operators.
Develop, prioritize, communicate, and execute the daily operating plan safely and cost-effectively.
Promote company safety initiatives and ensure operations comply with federal, state, local, and INRD rules and regulations.
Coordinate train movements, including unscheduled movements, with other transportation managers, including those overseeing dispatch and agency functions.
Conduct efficiency tests, check rides, stop tests, and other performance evaluations; document performance and submit data promptly and accurately.
Audit and inspect industries, tracks, and operations to identify, investigate, and address hazards and unsafe conditions.
Serve as a first responder to critical incidents when required and provide complete, timely investigations, including causes, remedial actions, and recommended solutions.
Understand the quantitative factors contributing to major railroad costs and their effect on financial performance.
Adjust asset utilization daily to increase terminal and yard utilization and provide reliable customer service.
Use available reporting functions to manage car movements, crew scheduling, and resource use.
Understand outstanding track conditions within the territory, including slow orders, and their effect on productivity and efficiency.
Develop and maintain productive relationships with employees, customers, connecting carriers, and other partners to meet service requirements.
Follow job safety procedures, attend required safety training, promote safety, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.
Respond to accidents and incidents as required and fulfill rotating on-call responsibilities.