TOFC Equipment Operator Trainee

PURPOSE OF POSITION: Operates various types of cranes, tractor-trailers, van packer, forklift and other comparable equipment while loading and unloading various bulk commodities to and from rail cars and delivery vehicles.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Skill and knowledge of operating cranes from 15-ton to 50-tons, forklifts from 3-ton to 25-tons, van packers, car loaders, car movers, tractor trailer, yard tractor, and other comparable equipment. Skill and knowledge in compensating for changes in lifting capacity of cranes or van packers caused by variation of angle of boom, length of boom, position of revolving frame, or weight. Skill and knowledge in selecting proper lifting devices such as spreader bars, slings, bridles, and shackles. Skill and knowledge in mechanical, hydraulic and air system functions and operation of clutches, brakes, levers, accelerator, pedals, wheels, and air control valve. Requires knowledge and ability to determine the weight of lifts; if weight unknown, skill and ability to estimate based on general knowledge of weights of various materials. Must possess the ability to read and write, communicate, and interpret written instructions. Knowledge of operator maintenance such as fueling, checking oil, lights and water on equipment or vehicle operated. Must show good judgment in decision-making and be able to improvise as required by the circumstances. Requires skill and knowledge of tying down freight to railcars or trailers. Skill and knowledge in rigging under cranes such as determining proper cables to use, proper connection of cables to lading for readying freight for lifting. Skill and knowledge of various fifth wheel locking devices equipped on various railcars. Practical knowledge of the principles underlying the work and work practices of the TOFC Office and/or similar freight operations. Must have a valid Class A commercial driver’s license.

Safely operates van packer cranes, forklifts, tractor-trailers, and other equipment. Safely transports crews to and from job sites. Completes work in a timely and accurate manner. Makes judgments and decisions on routine assignments, and is responsible for seeking proper authority for judgments and decisions on complicated matters. Responsible for personal safety. Works in accordance with practices and procedures prescribed in the Alaska Railroad Manual of Safety Rules and Regulations for General Guidance and Protection of Railroad Personnel and Corporate, State, Federal and Municipal regulations or policies.

Lifts and carries materials which may weigh up to 80 pounds. Requires walking, climbing, crawling, bending, standing and sitting for extended lengths of time. May be required to work in tiring or uncomfortable positions or at a rapid pace for long periods of time. Requires physical stamina, mental alertness, and coordination to complete assignments.

Heating and ventilation, in most areas, is generally good. Lighting generally is good; however, at times it may be somewhat less than ideal. Work is done both indoors and outdoors; while outdoors, there could be all types of climatic conditions. Exposed to dust, dirt, and fumes. Soiling of clothing and skin surfaces is normal. Frequently exposed to possibility of cuts, scrapes, bruises, and injury from falling objects. Works on concrete, earth, metal and wood surfaces, in crowded areas near moving machinery and equipment. At times, these surfaces may be uneven, slippery, icy, muddy, and/or greasy. Constantly exposed to hazardous or potentially unsafe working environment. Incumbent must demonstrate a high degree of alertness because of the extremely dangerous properties of the equipment he/she is working around and the restricted areas he/she works in. Utilization of personal protective equipment is mandatory.

Minimum Qualifications

For TOFC Equipment Operator Trainee:

• High school diploma or GED. Significant work-related experience may be substituted for the education requirement.
• Have two (2) years of experience in operating cranes, forklifts, van packers or other comparable equipment, and/or driving tractor-trailers.
• Be physically capable of lifting and carrying weights up to 80 pounds.
• Be physically capable of walking, crawling, bending, standing, and sitting for extended periods of time.
• Capable of obtaining a valid Class A commercial driver’s license.

• Experience in a TOFC Office or other similar freight operation
• Certification in Crane and Forklift operation

For TOFC Equipment Operator:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must have an Active/Valid Class A commercial driver’s license.
• Must have four years of experience in operating cranes, forklifts, van packers or other comparable equipment, and/or driving tractor-trailers.
• Must be physically capable of lifting and carrying weights up to 80 pounds.
• Must be physically capable of walking, crawling, bending, standing, and sitting for extended periods of time.
• Experience in a TOFC Office or other similar freight operation is preferred. Certification in Crane and Forklift operation is preferred.

Additional Required Information

Contact Information

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