Train Dispatcher Student (Alaska Railroad)

Job Description

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

To schedule the movement of trains to provide for safe meets and passes; issue Mandatory Directives affecting, directing, and authorizing the movement of trains and maintenance personnel. Manage unexpected events and emergency situations to protect the public, railroad employees and property; arrange for the use of track by maintenance employees to permit timely maintenance while minimizing train delay and providing protection.

This is a training position. Training will be primarily on-the-job with experienced Train Dispatchers. Upon completion of the training, a written and verbal examination will be given by an ARRC panel to determine skill, knowledge, and application of Rules and Regulations acquired during the training program. Upon completion of the Training Program, employees will be able to perform the major duties and responsibilities cited below.

Experienced Train Dispatchers may have all, or portions of the training requirements waived based on experience and written and verbal examination results.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsible for the safe and prompt movement of all trains, railcars, cranes, ditchers, and other assorted track equipment.  Issues track warrants, directing and authorizing the movement of trains and maintenance personnel. Must be able to calculate running times for trains. Provides direction and instructions to train crews, track car operators, and other track equipment operators in order to effectively expedite the movement of traffic and ensure the safe operation of the railroad.  Provides station employees with pertinent information relative to train operations.     Maintains various records, Event Reports, and notifications. Responsible for planning and establishing call times for trains and crews. Issues appropriate instructions to crew dispatch, terminal employees, and/or Terminal Supervisors, etc.  Operates a computer-aided dispatching system, a personal computer, radio controller, and telephone to transmit instructions and information to train crews and other employees. Responsible for accurate record keeping of train delays, mainline work windows, unusual events, and miscellaneous administrative work as may be delegated by the Chief Train Dispatcher. Train Dispatchers are the first point of contact for all reports of incidents, accidents and emergencies, including but not limited to derailments, spills, weather related events, and earthquakes and must take immediate and appropriate action to ensure the safety and well-being of employees, passengers, the public, and ARRC equipment and property.

Coordinates train movement by making plans for trains to meet or pass in a manner consistent with railroad rules of operations.     Makes decisions based on schedules assigned to meet customers’ needs.  Records train time logs and delay reports. Prioritizes maintenance work windows and on time train departures and arrivals.

Schedules and assigns initial, replacement, or emergency crews to trains depending on available work time of individual crews and purpose of the trip.

Factor 1 – Skill and Knowledge

Must have sufficient skills, knowledge, and abilities in the following elements:  (a) ability to make sound judgments and decisions; (b) ability to meet deadlines; (c) ability to work under pressure in stressful conditions; (d) ability to verbally communicate effectively; (e) knowledge of collective bargaining agreements; (f) clear and precise writing skills; (g) strong analytical skills; (h) ability to establish priorities; (i) knowledge of Railroad Operating Rules; (j) reliability and dependability; (k) ability to supervise or lead; (l) ability to follow verbal and written instructions; and (m) ability to type and use a computer. Experience in Word, Excel and Outlook is preferred. Must be able to follow written and oral instructions and be capable of working with a high degree of independence.  Must be adaptable and able to evaluate changing situations and establish priorities based on available information.  Must be able to work under pressure and meet critical deadlines. Must have strong interpersonal skills, be able to speak clearly, read and understand operating and safety rules, exercise good judgment, analyze problems and take corrective action. Must be able to communicate clearly and tactfully with internal and external customers. Must have a strong aptitude for utilizing information systems and thrive in a fast-paced work environment with changing priorities. Must be able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Must be able to identify and distinguish colors displayed on a video monitor and video display in order to read track labels, switch indicator lights and other safety sensitive indications.

Factor 2 – Responsibilities

Guidelines are established by Department of Transportation (DOT), FRA, ARRC Orders, various tariffs, Association of American Railroads Rules, and ARRC Operating Circulars.  When no guidelines have been established, incumbent must establish appropriate guidelines.

Factor 3 - Physical Effort

Work performed is primarily sedentary in nature.  At times, incumbent may encounter periods of intense stress.  Work is frequently performed in a solitary environment and incumbent must be capable of remaining alert and attentive for long periods of time.  Must be capable of light lifting and carrying up to 15 pounds, and must have dexterity in both hands to be able to operate a computer keyboard.

Factor 4 - Work Environment

Work is performed in a 24/7 office environment (sometimes with high levels of stress) working weekends, nights, and all holidays.

Train Dispatcher job assignments are seniority based and subject to change seasonally due to staffing levels or the needs of the business.  Train Dispatchers may be on an “extra board”.

Extra Board positions have no structured days off.  All positions are subject to Hours of Service and require 15 hours of rest between each shift worked under 9 hours.  Work schedules can be irregular.

Note:

Applicants should consider the long-term effect of the above lifestyle on their personal and/or domestic life

.

Minimum Qualifications

Required

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Working knowledge of Railroad Operating Rules (General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), Maintenance of Way Operating Manual (MOM), etc.).

Four (4) years of verifiable work experience that has demonstrated a high degree of independence and problem-solving ability.

Computer applications and keyboard experience.

Ability to work varying shifts and deal effectively with high levels of stress.

Ability to pass a pre-employment vision and hearing acuity test.

Ability to read, write and communicate effectively with others in English.

Preferred

Previous work experience in a supervisory or lead position.

Additional Required Information

Please include any

REQUIRED AND DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

in your

APPLICANT PROFILE and/or RESUME

. If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer name, your job title, dates of employment and whether full- or part-time. Your application will be closely reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met.

If they are not, the applicant will not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment.

IF

you are selected for an interview, then you

MUST

be able to submit a copy of a current driving record that

reflects the past three (3) years of driving history

.

The State of Alaska DMV Driving Records are available online:

https://online.dmv.alaska.gov/onlinedrivingrecords

Contact Information

Alaska Railroad Human Resources Department

E-Mail:

[email protected]

Phone:  907-265-2438

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 107500, Anchorage, AK 99510-7500

Street Address: 327 West Ship Creek, Anchorage, AK

Fax Number: (907) 265-2542

Alaska Railroad Corporation is an equal opportunity employer

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