What are the responsibilities and job description for the Specialist, On Board Services - Fairbanks (Alaska Railroad) position at State of Alaska?
Job Description
Please note that this is a seasonal position and will start in April 2026.
PURPOSE OF POSITION: An On-Board Specialist is a dynamic and customer-focused professional responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences aboard Alaska Railroad trains. This role involves providing engaging commentary and narration to educate and entertain passengers while ensuring their comfort, safety, and satisfaction throughout the journey.
Specialists act as team leaders, motivating and directing the Tour Guides, coordinating with crew members, and addressing passenger needs efficiently. They excel in high-pressure environments, managing multiple responsibilities such as conflict resolution, enforcing safety protocols, and maintaining a positive and energetic presence during long hours.
Works on coordinating the logistics for special event trains and charters; rides on the trains and ensures these events go smoothly On-Board
Duties And Responsibilities
Anchorage Based Specialists Facilitates on-the-job training, direction, and motivation of Tour Guides during classroom training, on field trips, and while On-Board trains and buses. Mentors, evaluates and leads assigned employees. Reports performance of assigned employees to the Manager, On-Board Services. Ensures all On-Board staff meet ARRC service and performance expectations. Ensures that contract employees meet ARRC service and performance expectations. Resolves customer and employee issues and complaints regarding food service, passenger comfort, and the overall passenger experience. Reports problems and issues to the Manager, On-Board Services.
Fairbanks Based Specialists Works with other supervisors. Reports performance of assigned employees to the Manager, On-Board Services. Ensures all On-Board staff meet ARRC service and performance expectations. Ensures that contract employees meet ARRC service and performance expectations. Resolves customer and employee issues and complaints regarding food service, passenger comfort, and the overall passenger experience. Mentors, evaluates and leads assigned employees. Reports problems and issues to the Manager, On-Board Services.
Talkeetna Based Specialists Works directly with the conductor on the Hurricane Turn train. Addresses all customer service and On-Board issues not related to train movement. Coordinates directly with Talkeetna depot staff to ensure the train is clean, stocked, and ready to go. Reports problems and issues to the Manager, On-Board Services.
All Specialists Utilizes the microphone to deliver clear and engaging commentary, including essential safety and operational announcements. Provides detailed narration to enhance the passenger experience, sharing insights into Alaska’s history, landmarks, wildlife, and culture, ensuring that each journey is both educational and entertaining Board
Coordinates boarding and de-boarding process at Seward, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks including loading, unloading, and assisting with all passenger needs including special needs (wheelchair lift, directions, and support). Walks through trains, interacting with passengers and providing information. May assist with selling tickets onboard and managing accounting paperwork, while ensuring awareness of the process involved.
Works with food service contractor providing passengers with menus and dining options and ensuring that passengers are fed in a timely manner. Makes decisions on how to make the dining experience more efficient. Manages lost and found items, coordinating with depots and managers to reconnect passengers with their items. Stocks and unstocks all trains with supplies, materials and equipment used on-board.
Performs daily janitorial and maintenance of passenger coaches while en route. Takes necessary action to correct deficiencies and reports problems. Assists with light troubleshooting, coach comfort (air/heat), and cycling of toilets. Inspects passenger trains daily for cleanliness and ensures supplies are stocked. Takes necessary action to correct deficiencies and reports problems with janitorial contractor to Manager, On-board Services. Assists train crews by allowing conductor to focus on train movement and other operations.
Responds to all emergency situations On-Board trains. Initiates any safety or evacuation as directed by conductor. Is first aid qualified to respond in a medical emergency. Coordinates and provides support in emergencies until relieved by Manager On Duty or Emergency Medical Services. Ensures communication to Manager On Duty. Maintains constant situational awareness. Maintains and stocks emergency equipment On-Board. Ensures all medical supplies are in proper working order and up to date.
Works on the train to ensure that the special train event goes smoothly. Coordinates with Guest Services management on charter trains. Makes recommendations on what format works best for efficient operations. Coordinates with security and mechanical departments when they ride on the charter trains.
May be required to participate in Incident Command exercises and activities.
FACTOR 1: Technical and Operational Knowledge
Exhibits knowledge of basic operation of passenger coaches. Operates air, heating, and lighting controls, and recycles bathrooms for passenger comfort. Evaluates the effectiveness of on-board service by reporting feedback from customers and developing recommendations for improvement. Displays knowledge of tourism/travel industry and ARRC On-Board services. Exhibits a basic knowledge of accounting procedures to ensure accountability of cash. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.
FACTOR 2: Analytical Skills and Impact
Monitors work methods and procedures, and implements work process improvements to increase customer satisfaction and sales. Possesses the ability to problem solve and exercise judgment over a variety of broadly defined duties. Work has an impact on ARRC meeting its financial goals for passenger services. Work is evaluated in terms of results achieved and objectives met.
FACTOR 3: Supervision and Control
Supervises Tour Guides (up to 5 employees during peak season). Assumes responsibility for leading, managing and motivating staff in day-to-day operations. Ensures that safety guidelines and best practices are institutionalized in daily operations on-board trains. Ensures that performance of contract personnel responsible for food service and janitorial service on assigned trains meets ARRC expectations. Works cooperatively with other supervisory personnel responsible for overseeing on-board services. Utilizes a microphone to greet guests, inform them of important safety and operational announcements, then provides narration throughout the trip.
FACTOR 4: Communication
Exhibits skill in maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external customers and demonstrates ability to establish and maintain guest relations. Contacts include, but are not limited to, ARRC employees, guests, customers and vendors. Effective communication skills enhance work efforts of the staff. Courtesy, alertness, integrity, and efficiency in serving the guest affects the revenue to the railroad and promotes good relations in the community.
FACTOR 5: Working Conditions
Work is performed on the train, requiring long hours and extensive traveling. During the winter season, work is also performed in an office setting. Positions will be based in either Anchorage or Fairbanks and work will require nights away from original home station.
Minimum Qualifications
Education Requirements
High School diploma or GED is required.
Work Experience
ARRC OBS or Tour Guide Experience may be substituted.
Ability to obtain a CPR/First Aid certificate within 30 days is required. Certification is provided as part of the onboarding process.
Preferred Qualifications
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.
Contact Information
WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.
For applicant password assistance please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword
Alaska Railroad Human Resources Department
E-Mail: arjobinfo@akrr.com
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
Alaska Railroad Corporation Benefits
The following briefly describes the main benefits available to regular employees of the Alaska Railroad Corporation. Actual benefits differ by bargaining unit.
Retirement Plans
ARRC Pension Plan – Participation is mandatory. You are automatically enrolled in the Plan when you meet the eligibility requirement of your bargaining unit. Employees contribute 9% of their Earnings on a pre-tax basis. The Railroad is exempt from participation in Social Security; however, Medicare Tax is withheld. Participants vest with 5 years of eligible Vesting Service which entitles one to receive a pension benefit at retirement age.
Tier 2 Description (Employees Hired After July 1, 2015)
Normal Retirement Age is age 65, however, the plan allows one to retire as early as age 60. The formula for a monthly Normal Retirement Benefits is 2% x Final Average Earnings x all Credited Service.
Early retirement, survivor and disability benefits are available for vested participants.
401(k) Tax Deferred Savings Plan – Participation is optional. You may enroll once you meet the eligibility requirement of your bargaining unit. Depending on the bargaining unit, there may be an employer match.
457 Deferred Compensation Plan – Participation is optional for non-represented employees.
Insurance and Flexible Spending Plans
All plans are optional except the RR Dental Plan for bargaining unit employees.
Health Insurance Plan
A comprehensive health insurance plan, self-insured by the ARRC and administered by Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska. Coverage is also available for the employee’s spouse and dependent children. ARRC and the participant share the premium cost. Bargaining unit employees are Eligibility after 90 days, and non-represented employees are eligible as of the date of hire.
The Railroad offers a Prefered Provider Organization plan (PPO Blue Essentials) and a Consumer Directed Healthcare Plan with a Health Saving Account (Gold Essentials). The Plans have the following features.
The Railroad also offers two dental plans.
The Railroad National Dental for represented employees.
The Alaska Railroad Optional Dental Plan for both represented and non-represented employees.
Paid Leave & Holidays
Vacation Leave –accrual Per Bi-weekly Pay Period
Represented Employees
0-3 Years of Service = 4 Hours
>3-15 Years of Service = 6 Hours
>15 Years of Service = 8 Hours
Non-Represented Employees
0-3 Years of Service = 6 Hours
>3-15 Years of Service = 8 Hours
>15 Years of Service = 10 Hours
Sick Leave: accrues at 4 hours (Represented) or 2 hours (Non-Represented) per pay period.
11 Paid holidays
For additional information regarding these benefits, please go to www.alaskarailroad.com
01
Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent?
Do you have 3 months of Lead/Supervisory experience OR ARRC OBS or Tour Guide Experience that can be substituted?
Do you have 3 months of front line customer service experience OR ARRC OBS or Tour Guide Experience that can be substituted?
Will you be available to begin in-person employment, onboarding on, and have all HR onboarding requirements completed prior to the start date?
Do you have the ability to obtain a CPR/First Aid certificate within 30 days of hire?
Are you able to overnight in Fairbanks as needed?
Are you able to perform this position's duties with, or without, reasonable accommodations?
Please note that this is a seasonal position and will start in April 2026.
PURPOSE OF POSITION: An On-Board Specialist is a dynamic and customer-focused professional responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences aboard Alaska Railroad trains. This role involves providing engaging commentary and narration to educate and entertain passengers while ensuring their comfort, safety, and satisfaction throughout the journey.
Specialists act as team leaders, motivating and directing the Tour Guides, coordinating with crew members, and addressing passenger needs efficiently. They excel in high-pressure environments, managing multiple responsibilities such as conflict resolution, enforcing safety protocols, and maintaining a positive and energetic presence during long hours.
Works on coordinating the logistics for special event trains and charters; rides on the trains and ensures these events go smoothly On-Board
Duties And Responsibilities
Anchorage Based Specialists Facilitates on-the-job training, direction, and motivation of Tour Guides during classroom training, on field trips, and while On-Board trains and buses. Mentors, evaluates and leads assigned employees. Reports performance of assigned employees to the Manager, On-Board Services. Ensures all On-Board staff meet ARRC service and performance expectations. Ensures that contract employees meet ARRC service and performance expectations. Resolves customer and employee issues and complaints regarding food service, passenger comfort, and the overall passenger experience. Reports problems and issues to the Manager, On-Board Services.
Fairbanks Based Specialists Works with other supervisors. Reports performance of assigned employees to the Manager, On-Board Services. Ensures all On-Board staff meet ARRC service and performance expectations. Ensures that contract employees meet ARRC service and performance expectations. Resolves customer and employee issues and complaints regarding food service, passenger comfort, and the overall passenger experience. Mentors, evaluates and leads assigned employees. Reports problems and issues to the Manager, On-Board Services.
Talkeetna Based Specialists Works directly with the conductor on the Hurricane Turn train. Addresses all customer service and On-Board issues not related to train movement. Coordinates directly with Talkeetna depot staff to ensure the train is clean, stocked, and ready to go. Reports problems and issues to the Manager, On-Board Services.
All Specialists Utilizes the microphone to deliver clear and engaging commentary, including essential safety and operational announcements. Provides detailed narration to enhance the passenger experience, sharing insights into Alaska’s history, landmarks, wildlife, and culture, ensuring that each journey is both educational and entertaining Board
Coordinates boarding and de-boarding process at Seward, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks including loading, unloading, and assisting with all passenger needs including special needs (wheelchair lift, directions, and support). Walks through trains, interacting with passengers and providing information. May assist with selling tickets onboard and managing accounting paperwork, while ensuring awareness of the process involved.
Works with food service contractor providing passengers with menus and dining options and ensuring that passengers are fed in a timely manner. Makes decisions on how to make the dining experience more efficient. Manages lost and found items, coordinating with depots and managers to reconnect passengers with their items. Stocks and unstocks all trains with supplies, materials and equipment used on-board.
Performs daily janitorial and maintenance of passenger coaches while en route. Takes necessary action to correct deficiencies and reports problems. Assists with light troubleshooting, coach comfort (air/heat), and cycling of toilets. Inspects passenger trains daily for cleanliness and ensures supplies are stocked. Takes necessary action to correct deficiencies and reports problems with janitorial contractor to Manager, On-board Services. Assists train crews by allowing conductor to focus on train movement and other operations.
Responds to all emergency situations On-Board trains. Initiates any safety or evacuation as directed by conductor. Is first aid qualified to respond in a medical emergency. Coordinates and provides support in emergencies until relieved by Manager On Duty or Emergency Medical Services. Ensures communication to Manager On Duty. Maintains constant situational awareness. Maintains and stocks emergency equipment On-Board. Ensures all medical supplies are in proper working order and up to date.
Works on the train to ensure that the special train event goes smoothly. Coordinates with Guest Services management on charter trains. Makes recommendations on what format works best for efficient operations. Coordinates with security and mechanical departments when they ride on the charter trains.
May be required to participate in Incident Command exercises and activities.
FACTOR 1: Technical and Operational Knowledge
Exhibits knowledge of basic operation of passenger coaches. Operates air, heating, and lighting controls, and recycles bathrooms for passenger comfort. Evaluates the effectiveness of on-board service by reporting feedback from customers and developing recommendations for improvement. Displays knowledge of tourism/travel industry and ARRC On-Board services. Exhibits a basic knowledge of accounting procedures to ensure accountability of cash. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.
FACTOR 2: Analytical Skills and Impact
Monitors work methods and procedures, and implements work process improvements to increase customer satisfaction and sales. Possesses the ability to problem solve and exercise judgment over a variety of broadly defined duties. Work has an impact on ARRC meeting its financial goals for passenger services. Work is evaluated in terms of results achieved and objectives met.
FACTOR 3: Supervision and Control
Supervises Tour Guides (up to 5 employees during peak season). Assumes responsibility for leading, managing and motivating staff in day-to-day operations. Ensures that safety guidelines and best practices are institutionalized in daily operations on-board trains. Ensures that performance of contract personnel responsible for food service and janitorial service on assigned trains meets ARRC expectations. Works cooperatively with other supervisory personnel responsible for overseeing on-board services. Utilizes a microphone to greet guests, inform them of important safety and operational announcements, then provides narration throughout the trip.
FACTOR 4: Communication
Exhibits skill in maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external customers and demonstrates ability to establish and maintain guest relations. Contacts include, but are not limited to, ARRC employees, guests, customers and vendors. Effective communication skills enhance work efforts of the staff. Courtesy, alertness, integrity, and efficiency in serving the guest affects the revenue to the railroad and promotes good relations in the community.
FACTOR 5: Working Conditions
Work is performed on the train, requiring long hours and extensive traveling. During the winter season, work is also performed in an office setting. Positions will be based in either Anchorage or Fairbanks and work will require nights away from original home station.
Minimum Qualifications
Education Requirements
High School diploma or GED is required.
Work Experience
- 3 Months Lead/Supervisory experience is required.
ARRC OBS or Tour Guide Experience may be substituted.
- 3 Months Front Line Customer Service Experience is required.
- ARRC OBS or Tour Guide Experience may be substituted.
Ability to obtain a CPR/First Aid certificate within 30 days is required. Certification is provided as part of the onboarding process.
Preferred Qualifications
- ARRC OBS or Second-Year Tour Guide Experience is preferred.
- Experience in training, coaching, or leading/teaching others preferred.
- Previous experience in the tourism industry is preferred.
- Comfortable performing routine and emergency cleanup tasks, including basic janitorial duties, and assisting when incidents or service disruptions occur is preferred.
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.
Contact Information
WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to recruitment.services@alaska.gov.
For applicant password assistance please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword
Alaska Railroad Human Resources Department
E-Mail: arjobinfo@akrr.com
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
Alaska Railroad Corporation Benefits
The following briefly describes the main benefits available to regular employees of the Alaska Railroad Corporation. Actual benefits differ by bargaining unit.
Retirement Plans
ARRC Pension Plan – Participation is mandatory. You are automatically enrolled in the Plan when you meet the eligibility requirement of your bargaining unit. Employees contribute 9% of their Earnings on a pre-tax basis. The Railroad is exempt from participation in Social Security; however, Medicare Tax is withheld. Participants vest with 5 years of eligible Vesting Service which entitles one to receive a pension benefit at retirement age.
Tier 2 Description (Employees Hired After July 1, 2015)
Normal Retirement Age is age 65, however, the plan allows one to retire as early as age 60. The formula for a monthly Normal Retirement Benefits is 2% x Final Average Earnings x all Credited Service.
Early retirement, survivor and disability benefits are available for vested participants.
401(k) Tax Deferred Savings Plan – Participation is optional. You may enroll once you meet the eligibility requirement of your bargaining unit. Depending on the bargaining unit, there may be an employer match.
457 Deferred Compensation Plan – Participation is optional for non-represented employees.
Insurance and Flexible Spending Plans
All plans are optional except the RR Dental Plan for bargaining unit employees.
Health Insurance Plan
A comprehensive health insurance plan, self-insured by the ARRC and administered by Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska. Coverage is also available for the employee’s spouse and dependent children. ARRC and the participant share the premium cost. Bargaining unit employees are Eligibility after 90 days, and non-represented employees are eligible as of the date of hire.
The Railroad offers a Prefered Provider Organization plan (PPO Blue Essentials) and a Consumer Directed Healthcare Plan with a Health Saving Account (Gold Essentials). The Plans have the following features.
The Railroad also offers two dental plans.
The Railroad National Dental for represented employees.
The Alaska Railroad Optional Dental Plan for both represented and non-represented employees.
Paid Leave & Holidays
Vacation Leave –accrual Per Bi-weekly Pay Period
Represented Employees
0-3 Years of Service = 4 Hours
>3-15 Years of Service = 6 Hours
>15 Years of Service = 8 Hours
Non-Represented Employees
0-3 Years of Service = 6 Hours
>3-15 Years of Service = 8 Hours
>15 Years of Service = 10 Hours
Sick Leave: accrues at 4 hours (Represented) or 2 hours (Non-Represented) per pay period.
11 Paid holidays
For additional information regarding these benefits, please go to www.alaskarailroad.com
01
Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent?
- Yes
- No
Do you have 3 months of Lead/Supervisory experience OR ARRC OBS or Tour Guide Experience that can be substituted?
- Yes
- No
Do you have 3 months of front line customer service experience OR ARRC OBS or Tour Guide Experience that can be substituted?
- Yes
- No
Will you be available to begin in-person employment, onboarding on, and have all HR onboarding requirements completed prior to the start date?
- Yes
- No
Do you have the ability to obtain a CPR/First Aid certificate within 30 days of hire?
- Yes
- No
Are you able to overnight in Fairbanks as needed?
- Yes
- No
Are you able to perform this position's duties with, or without, reasonable accommodations?
- Yes
- No
- Required Question