Trainmaster

Company Overview:  

U.S. Sugar produces approximately 6.5 million tons of sugarcane annually on more than 200,000 acres of land in the South Florida area. U.S. Sugar owns and operates the largest private agricultural short line railroad in the country and is the only sugar company in the continental United States that transports its harvested cane supply from its farms and other growers by railroad to its sugar factory. The rail system includes the South Central Florida Express (SCFE), acquired by U.S. Sugar in 1994, which not only transports sugar cane to the factory, but also transports finished sugar products, citrus products, fertilizer, farm equipment, aggregates, and other freight interchanging with CSXT and FECR. SCFE services between 25 and 35 locations with over more than 300 miles of track.  

Job Summary:

The Company is seeking a Trainmaster, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the railroad, ensuring safe, efficient, and timely transport of cane delivery and materials across the company's rail network. The position includes supervision of train crews, adherence to safety protocols, conducting efficiency checks, compliance with federal regulations, and ensuring the proper maintenance of rail equipment and infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with daily train schedules, monitor train movements, and ensure efficient use of rail resources for transport of sugar products and materials.

• Lead and manage train crews and yard personnel, assigning tasks, overseeing performance, and ensuring adherence to safety and operational procedures.

• Enforce safety standards in line with company policies, FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) regulations, and OSHA requirements.

• Investigate and report accidents or incidents.

• Conduct regular efficiency checks on rail operations, ensuring the optimal performance of crews, equipment, and schedules. Identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions where necessary.

• Maintain detailed records of train operations, efficiency evaluations, safety inspections, incidents, and employee performance. Provide regular updates to management and submit reports as required.

• Quickly and effectively respond to operational challenges, such as delays, equipment malfunctions, or staffing issues, ensuring minimal disruption to rail services.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate or Bachelor's degree in transportation, logistics, Agriculture, Engineering, Business Management, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in railroad operations

• Ability to work flexible hours and respond to operational issues as needed

• Strong knowledge of FRA regulations, OSHA standards, and rail industry best practices.

• Experience in conducting efficiency checks and process evaluations.

• Ability to lead a team, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple operational demands simultaneously.

• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency in computer systems related to rail operations and reporting.

• Valid driver’s license required.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements 

The work environment characteristics and physical requirements described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Working Conditions:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in outside weather conditions on a regular basis. 

• Working conditions may be rainy, hot, humid, dusty, etc. depending on the weather

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud  

• Duties of this job are also performed in an office environment 

• Employee is also required to drive a vehicle for extended time periods

• Long hours should be expected and weekend work is required throughout the year  

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit

• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle and/or move various objects, tools and/or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, talk, hear, and see

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus  

• Ability to freely access all areas of the including farm offices, railroad tracks, tractor/locomotive sheds, various farm/harvesting equipment, locomotives, etc.

• Ability to move or handle various items throughout the railroad generally weighing between 0-65 pounds. Ability to lift and carry up to 65 pounds.

• Ability to work varied hours and days during harvest season

• Will be expected to work outside in all kinds of weather when necessary

The above declarations are not intended to be an “all-inclusive” list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job, and a reasonable representation of its activities.