Demo

Assistant Manager Motive Power East

Northern Plains Railroad, Inc.
Fordville, ND Full Time
POSTED ON 4/14/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/8/2026

Company: Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. 

Business Unit: AGZ

Department: Locomotive Repair  

Travel 30%

Schedule: Varies. M-F, 07:00-16:00 with additional hours as necessary, on call as needed. 


Summary:

Assistant Manager Motive Power East is responsible for the safe, efficient, and productive operation of Northern Plains Railroad’s locomotive shop in Fordville, ND supporting all NPR & NPRS contracting business.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:

  • With Safety as the predominant factor, manages all aspects of locomotive repair and maintenance and coordinates such activities with outside contractors – for Northern Plains Railroad and as directed for contract services.
  • Responsible for ensuring all corporate safety rules, procedures, practices, and regulations are complied with, and for contributing to the overall safety targets set by the company.
  • Responsible for assurance that FRA locomotive maintenance standards are met and substantiating locomotive records and files are correctly maintained. 
  • Oversee the locomotive fueling functions setting up proper procedures and control. 
  • Manage all employees involved in locomotive maintenance and upkeep of all facilities, equipment and tools used by Mechanical forces in Fordville.
  • Coordination of maintenance scheduling to reduce downtime while maintaining safe work practices.
  • Diagnose malfunctioning systems.
  • Provide technical support to facility maintenance personnel.
  • Direct and support employees to install, maintain, and repair equipment and machinery.
  • Will evaluate employee performance, hold safety meetings, and evaluate and make available classes for mechanical forces that deal with training and safety.
  • Will perform work on Northern Plains Railroad as directed.



Competencies:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Must be able to interact with all other departments to achieve the overall goals of the Northern Plains group of Companies. 
  • Demonstrated aptitude in electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic applications (both newer and older equipment desired).
  • Ability to develop budgets and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Able to conduct oneself professionally and effectively engage, schedule, and coordinate contract labor.
  • Must be willing to work flexible schedules/hours and engage in significant travel (30%).
  • Must be a strong self-starter, able to work efficiently and effectively without immediate supervision.
  • Proficient with personal laptop computer and Microsoft applications.
  • Experience in metalworking/machining processes is a plus.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Strong “customer first” mindset (internal and external).
  • High integrity, ethics, and a positive attitude.
  • Possess problem solving, oral, written, communications, organizational and interpersonal skills. Perception and creativity.
  • Prepares reports. Has analytical and calculating abilities. 

 

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform on uneven or slippery surfaces, platforms, ladders, equipment in all weather and temperature conditions. Most of the day could be spent on feet standing. Eye/hand coordination, hand/feet dexterity and grasping hand tools, materials & equipment is required. The employee is frequently required to perform manual labor & physical activities that require considerable use of the whole body, such as standing and lifting from various levels.
  • Additional physical demands are listed in the chart below.
  • May require travel to various facilities and provide additional services.


Environmental:

  • Continuous: Exposure to electrical hazards, stand on concrete, works with others, concentration, eye/hand coordination.
  • Frequent: Works in cramped quarters, exposure to dust & smoke, fumes, odors, grease, oil, works in hot & cold temperatures, travel required & on-call, works inside & outside, noise, wet conditions, working with interruptions, works on feet-foot pedals, dexterity with fingering-picking, pinching, calculator, and handling, holding & grasping. 
  • Occasional: Exposure to chemicals, vibration, walk on uneven or slippery surface, works alone, works with moving machinery, repetitive flexion/rotation wrist motion.
  • Rare: Exposure to toxic materials, shift work & money handling.

 

Education and Training:

  • GED or higher with 5 years’ experience working on diesel engines. Electrical experience a plus.
  • At least two years’ experience with management/leadership.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Ability to obtain a DOT medical card preferred. 
  • Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPRS driver provisions.

 

Requirements of Joining Our Team: 

Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to: 


1.    Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment. 

    2.    Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.

    3.    Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.

    4.    Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position. 


We value transparency and the safety of our employees and customers, and these steps are essential in upholding our commitment to excellence.

 

LIFT 2 - Physical Demands Checklist 

* Never (N) = Not at all * Rarely (R) = 1-5% * Occasionally (O) = 6-33% * Frequently (F) = 34-66% * Continuously (C) = 67-100%


TASKS

N 0%

R 1-5%

O

6-33%

F

34-66%

C 67-100%

Essential

Comments

Sitting



X





Standing





X

X


Walking Distance: 600 ft



X



X


Bending/Stooping: 2 min



X



X


Sitting while twisting & reaching above shoulder level



X



X


Crawling 10 ft


X






Squatting: 10 reps




X


X


TASKS continued 

N 0%

R 1-5%

O 6-33%

F 34-66%

C 67-100%

Essential

Comments

Climbing Stairs: YMCA Step Test



X



X

NOT Pass or Fail

Climbing Ladder: 30 rungs



X



X


Balancing CTSIB-M test





X

X


Reaching- Forward




X


X


Reaching- Overhead arm’s length




X


X


Reaching Low Level




X


X


Static Push/Pull: Static push force 50# at shoulder level




X


X


Push/Pull: 90# force at waist level, simulate throw a switch



X



X


Shoveling



X



X


Grip Strength min. 50#



X



X


Gross & Fine coordination



X



X


Lift / Carry







Floor to Waist & Bilateral Carry

<10#



X



X


 11-24 #



X



X


 25-34 #



X



X

 

 35-50 #


X




X

 

Lift 50 # Waist to Crown


X




X


ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE








Working around moving machinery, parts & equipment




X


X


Working outside & extreme weather conditions





X

X


Exposure to heat /humidity





X

X


Exposure to cold





X

X


Using power equipment



X



X


Slippery surfaces



X



X


Noise




X


X


Works with others, alone, paperwork



X



X


Dust, Smoke, Odors, Fumes, Grease, Oil





X

X


Hearing





X

X

Hearing acuity-MEC/Medical Examiner's Certificate DOT vs FRA-DOT vs OSHA

TASKS continued 

N 0%

R 1-5%

O 6-33%

F 34-66%

C 67-100%

Essential

Comments

Speech





X

X


Vision





X

X

Vision acuity-MEC/Medical Examiner's Certificate DOT vs FRA-DOT vs Standard

Standard Vision





X

X

Standard Vision-Snellen/Ishihara/Perimetry

Works at heights



X



X


Electrical hazards



X



X


Uneven surfaces





X

X


Inhalation Exposure



X



X


Cramped quarters


X




X


Hazardous Material


X




X


Chemical Exposure



X



X


Vibration



X



X


 

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned. This Job Description may change at any time declared by Management.

NPRS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation. NPRS is a tradename used by Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR), Northern Plains Services, Inc. (NPS), and All Rail, Inc. (All Rail).

Salary : $80,000 - $90,000

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