Manager of Train Operations

Grapevine Vintage Railroad Operations Manager

Provides leadership, direction, and management of all Grapevine Vintage Railroad (GVRR) train operations, rail yard activities, and service delivery. Oversee daily train operations, scheduling, regulatory compliance, safety programs, and workforce management to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality excursion rail service.

Essential Functions

Leads and manages all train operations and rail yard activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable service delivery. Develops and implements operational plans, schedules, and service strategies to optimize train operations and customer experience. Supervises and directs operations staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, performance management, and workforce development. Ensures compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), DOT, and other applicable regulations, including operational rules, certifications, and reporting requirements. Leads safety programs and initiatives, including risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action implementation to maintain a strong safety culture. Coordinates train movements and operations with partner railroads and dispatch authorities, ensuring efficient and compliant use of shared rail corridors. Oversees implementation and compliance of Positive Train Control (PTC) and other operational technologies. Manages operational data, reporting, and performance metrics to support decision-making, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. Responsible for inspections and work with Chief Mechanical Officer (CMO) to ensure repairs and preventive maintenance on GVRR locomotives, passenger coaches, trucks and other heavy equipment. Maintain necessary data and prepare all necessary reports including safety, maintenance and operational, for Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and maintain an organized recording and filing system. Develops and manages operating budgets, monitors expenditures, and identifies opportunities for operational efficiencies. Collaborates with internal departments and external partners to support special events, service enhancements, and long-term operational planning. Ensures availability and readiness of locomotives and equipment through coordination with maintenance personnel. Maintains required certifications as a service-covered employee, operate diesel and steam locomotives to support operations. As Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers (DSLE), oversees training and certification programs for engineers, conductors, staff, and volunteers. Supports marketing and tourism initiatives by aligning operations with customer experience goals and special event programming. Leads emergency response coordination and operational continuity planning in partnership with public safety agencies. Represents GVRR in meetings with regulatory agencies, partner railroads, and community stakeholders. Regular and timely attendance is required; schedule may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Performs other duties as assigned consistent with the scope of the position.

Required Skills

Strong knowledge of railroad operations, rules (GCOR), and FRA compliance. Ability to lead operational teams and manage complex schedules. Knowledge of train movement coordination and dispatch interaction. Strong organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills. Ability to develop and monitor budgets and operational performance metrics. Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to build partnerships with other railroads and agencies. Knowledge of safety management systems and risk mitigation practices. Requires knowledge of the principles and practice of locomotive service and maintenance activities. Requires the necessary skills to communicate orally and in writing. Requires ability to organize data, analyze statistical information and prepare reports. Must have ability to supervise the work activities of subordinates. Knowledge of Federal, State and local environmental laws and regulations applicable to locomotive and equipment standards; knowledge of the safety standards for passenger trains and related equipment; knowledge of Federal railroad inspection standards; knowledge of the methods and procedures used in servicing and repairing steam, gasoline and diesel equipment; knowledge of vehicle and equipment mechanics, including internal combustion engines and hydraulic and electrical systems. Skill in operating a variety of equipment used in railroads, maintenance and repair functions and operations; skill in operating a two-way radio; skill in the use of a variety of hand and power tools used in the repair and servicing of mechanical equipment. Ability to identify abnormal readings or trends in data collected from gauges, meters, dials, instruments, etc., according to established formats. Ability to follow oral and written directions. Ability to diagnose defective operations and excessive wear on mechanical equipment parts and components.

Position requires a High School Diploma or GED. Minimum 5–7 years of experience in railroad or transportation operations. Minimum 3 years in a supervisory or management role. Experience with regulatory compliance and operational planning preferred Must have Diesel Locomotive Engineer certification and maintain during employment. Knowledge of steam locomotives not a prerequisite but would be beneficial. Must pass a Federal/National criminal background investigation and credit check. Must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record as defined by city policy and obtain a Texas Class C driver's license. Must pass a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration driver's license check, Department of Transportation physical, and pre-employment drug testing. Will be subject to periodic random drug and alcohol testing. Will be subject to Department of Transportation Railroad (FRA) vision and audio screenings every three years as required by law. Must pass a pre-employment basic physical, FRA 5 panel drug screen, and functional assessment screening (Level 1). Must pass a pre-employment Department of Transportation Railroad (FRA) vision (Ishihara and Titmus) and audio screening.

While performing the essential functions of this position, there will be routine and frequent exposure to:

• Bright/dim light

• Dusts and pollen

• Extreme heat and/or cold

• Wet or humid conditions

• Extreme noise levels

• Animals/wildlife

• Vibration

• Fumes and/or noxious odors

• Traffic

• Moving machinery

• Electrical shock

• Heights

• Toxic/caustic chemicals

• Other extreme hazards not listed above

Safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, hard hats, safety vests, steel-toe boots, back support belts, and seat belts are provided and must be worn as required by department procedures and good safety practices.

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job entails moderate physical labor, which requires strength and agility. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift, shovel, and carry 50 pounds and exert up to 50 pounds of force. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.