What are the responsibilities and job description for the Train Dispatcher - Atlanta, GA position at Norfolk Southern?
Requisition 34947
This customer-centric, operations-driven position demands the highest caliber of skill, knowledge, and execution to ensure the safety and efficiency of rail operations through the required use of innovative technology and data entry across our 19,500 mile rail network.
Ensure compliance with all applicable rules and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations.
- Direct and coordinate railroad traffic, issue permits and authorities, monitor all rail movements, and maintain accurate electronic records of all activities.
- Maintain operational qualification, knowledge, and performance with scheduled trains, including their destinations, times of arrivals and departures, customer locations, and territory physical characteristics.
- Focus on safety of operations, protecting personnel by communicating hazards or conditions, including any environmental/external conditions affecting train movement.
- Plan, monitor and execute efficient resource allocations for trains and on-track equipment according to operating plan and customer needs.
- Remotely control track switches and traffic signals, and appropriately apply and remove blocking devices that protect our employees.
- Recognize, respond to, engage, and resolve irregularities and unusual occurrences to mitigate impacts to safety and network fluidity.
- Operate independently while deploying human-assisted technology to execute smooth and effective movement of priority trains, trains containing hazardous material or restricted shipments, and meets/passes to avoid unnecessary delays to our customers.
- Coordinate, establish and maintain protection for track installation, repair, and inspection by our Engineering Department personnel.
- Other duties as assigned by manager.
Knowledge and Skills
- Computer Aided Dispatching Software.
- Comprehensive knowledge of train operations and operating rules.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint).
- Demonstrated experience and ability to communicate clearlyboth verbally and written.
- Prioritize and manage multiple issuesthroughout the shift.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision, manage time effectively and maintain controlover multiple projects and responsibilities; follow up on all relevant issues.
- Ability to reason, compare, understand, and think rationally on the job.
Working Conditions
- Work hours include a nonstandard work week and various shift work.
- Available for duty as needed. To be eligible for 40 hours of guaranteed pay per week, the employee must be available continuously until they have either completed 40 hours of work in a calendar work week, or the seven-day calendar work week has concluded.
- Available to report to work with 90-minute advance notice.
- Able to work in a seated or standing position for long periods of time.
Employment Conditions
- Work safely to prevent onjob accidents and injuries.
- Complete annual training and pass safety and operating rules examinations.
- Federal regulations require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol.
- Must pass all required assessments.
- Must pass a background screening.
- May require a post offer medical examination, including drug test and physical capabilities test.
- Work tracking train and on-track equipment movements on multiple platforms in fast-paced environment.
- Mandatory association (including membership dues) with the ATDA, (American Train Dispatchers Association).
Training
Training will consist of instructor-led classes and on-the-job training, with required testing at various stages.
Trainees must fulfill the requirements and incremental steps of the Training Program for continued employment.
After successful completion of the classroom training program, dispatchers will be assigned to the Network Operations Center where hands-on training and instruction takes place to further build skills and proficiency. The training program, coupled with diligent trainee participation has been found to yield a candidate ready for review and possible promotion after approximately twenty-three weeks. Final reviews are then conducted, and disposition determined by Norfolk Southern management.
To learn more about the Train Dispatcher position watch these brief videos detailing the position and our Network Operations Center (NOC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujHhREbIAGc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXVl9iqEA54
Payduring trainingis $180/day.
Upon successful completion of training, dispatchers will enter the 5-year progression rate as it relates to years of service and each year resulting in a 5% increase.
New hire - $315.30/Shift
After 12 months of service - $336.32/Shift
After 24 months of service - $357.34/Shift
After 36 months of service - $378.36/Shift
After 48 months of service - $399.38/Shift
After 60 months of services - $420.40/Shift
New Headquarters - Atlanta, GA
Company Overview
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a Fortune 300 organization and one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers.
We are a team of 18,000 employees working together to maintain our reputation as "The Thoroughbred of Transportation." As an industry leader, Norfolk Southern offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.
At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization.
Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation and, gender identity. Together, we power progress. More information can be foun at
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