Trainmaster

TRAINMASTERPURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Trainmaster is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of trains and rail traffic within the assigned territory, including yard, terminal, and mainline operations. This position provides direct leadership and oversight to Train & Engine employees and ensures daily operating plans are executed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company policies, operating rules, and applicable regulatory requirements.

The Trainmaster is expected to lead by example, promote a strong safety culture, maintain operational discipline, coach and develop employees, and identify opportunities to improve safety, service, productivity, and overall operating performance. The position requires a hands-on leader who can effectively manage employees and operations in a fast-paced, 24/7 railroad environment.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

Operations and Service

· Direct and oversee daily train, yard, terminal, and mainline operations within the assigned territory.

· Coordinate train movements, switching activities, crew assignments, and other operating requirements to support safe and efficient railroad operations.

· Develop, implement, and monitor daily operating plans to meet customer service commitments and company performance objectives.

· Collaborate with internal departments, customers, connecting carriers, and other external partners to improve yard and mainline fluidity and minimize operational delays.

· Monitor train performance, terminal activity, crew utilization, equipment availability, and other operational conditions and make adjustments as necessary.

· Identify operating constraints and service disruptions and take appropriate action to restore normal operations.

· Ensure appropriate communication and coordination between Train & Engine employees, dispatching, mechanical, maintenance-of-way, customer service, and management.

· Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities to improve safety, service, productivity, efficiency, and cost control.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

· Provide visible leadership in promoting and maintaining a strong safety culture.

· Ensure operations are conducted in accordance with company operating rules, safety policies, General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), and applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements.

· Monitor employee compliance with operating rules, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements and take appropriate corrective action when deficiencies are identified.

· Conduct operational observations, efficiency testing, train rides, field inspections, safety meetings, job briefings, and other safety-related activities.

· Identify unsafe conditions, behaviors, or operating practices and ensure timely corrective action.

· Participate in and, when assigned, lead investigations involving operating rule violations, safety incidents, injuries, derailments, property damage, service failures, and other operational events.

· Document investigation findings and recommend appropriate corrective, disciplinary, training, or preventive actions consistent with company policy.

· Respond to derailments, incidents, injuries, service disruptions, and other emergencies as required.

· Maintain accurate records and documentation associated with operating activities, testing, investigations, training, and regulatory compliance.

Employee Leadership and Development

· Provide direct supervision, leadership, coaching, and performance management to Train & Engine employees.

· Establish clear expectations regarding safety, attendance, operating performance, customer service, professionalism, and compliance with company rules.

· Conduct regular field observations and provide timely coaching and feedback to employees.

· Recognize positive performance and address performance or conduct deficiencies promptly and consistently.

· Participate in employee investigations and administer corrective or disciplinary action in accordance with company policies and procedures.

· Assist in the qualification, training, and development of new and existing operating employees.

· Conduct or assist with classroom, field, and on-the-job training as required.

· Promote effective communication, teamwork, accountability, and professional working relationships among operating employees and other departments.

Administrative and Performance Responsibilities

· Monitor and support safety, service, productivity, operational, and financial performance objectives within the assigned territory.

· Review operating reports, performance data, service metrics, and other information to identify trends and areas requiring corrective action.

· Assist with crew planning, scheduling, manpower requirements, and allocation of operational resources.

· Maintain appropriate inventory and supplies for terminals and line-of-road operations within the assigned area of responsibility.

· Prepare reports, documentation, and operational updates for management as required.

· Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned based on operational needs.

OPERATING QUALIFICATIONS

· Maintain required conductor certification or qualification, as applicable to the operation.

· Locomotive engineer certification or qualification is strongly preferred.

· Maintain a working knowledge of GCOR, company operating rules, timetable and special instructions, safety rules, and applicable FRA regulations.

· Maintain all certifications, qualifications, and training required to perform assigned duties.

· May be required to perform conductor or locomotive engineer duties when properly qualified and operationally necessary.

POSITION REQUIREMENTSEducation and Experience

· High school diploma or GED required.

· Previous freight railroad operating experience required.

· Previous experience as a qualified conductor required.

· Locomotive engineer experience or certification strongly preferred.

· Minimum of two years of railroad supervisory, leadership, or progressively responsible operating experience preferred.

· Previous experience supervising Train & Engine employees preferred.

· Previous experience conducting operational or safety investigations and recommending corrective actions preferred.

· Experience interpreting operating rules, identifying rule violations, determining root causes, and resolving operational issues preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Strong working knowledge of railroad operating practices, train and yard operations, switching procedures, and railroad safety requirements.

· Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, develop, and hold employees accountable.

· Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, particularly in time-sensitive operating environments.

· Ability to identify root causes and develop practical corrective actions.

· Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and changing operational conditions.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to provide clear, concise, and professional instructions, including communications by radio.

· Ability to read, understand, interpret, and enforce operating rules, safety instructions, regulations, timetables, special instructions, and company policies.

· Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism when handling employee relations, investigations, emergencies, and other sensitive matters.

· Ability to work effectively with employees, customers, connecting railroads, regulatory representatives, and members of management.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel and the ability to learn railroad-specific operating and reporting systems.

· Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND SCHEDULE

· Must be available to work in a 24/7 railroad operating environment, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and irregular or extended hours as operationally required.

· Must be available for emergency response and operational issues outside normally scheduled working hours as required.

· Work is performed in both office and outdoor railroad environments.

· Must be able to work outdoors in varying and potentially severe weather conditions.

· Regular travel throughout the assigned railroad territory is required.

· Position may require walking on uneven surfaces, ballast, tracks, yards, and other railroad property.

· Must be able to safely board and disembark locomotives and railroad equipment when required.

· Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all company safety requirements.

· Must be able to respond appropriately to railroad emergencies, incidents, derailments, and service interruptions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands of this position may include standing and walking for extended periods; walking on uneven terrain and ballast; climbing onto and off railroad equipment; bending, reaching, stooping, and climbing; and working around moving railroad equipment. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

SAFETY-SENSITIVE POSITION

This position performs and/or supervises safety-sensitive railroad operations. The employee must comply with all applicable company drug and alcohol policies, FRA requirements, operating rules, safety rules, and fitness-for-duty requirements.

GENERAL STATEMENT

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. Duties and responsibilities may be modified or assigned based on operational and business needs.

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $80,000