Director, Fairbanks Operations (Alaska Railroad Employees Only)

Job Description [ [ [ [ [ ARRC Employees Only ] ] ] ] ] Purpose of Position: Directs Fairbanks operations and workforce activities to ensure safe, efficient, and effective rail operations and yard, terminal, freight dock, and station services. Duties and Responsibilities Establishes and directs the implementation of operating plans and policies for the overall direction of ARRC’s Fairbanks operations. This includes direct responsibility for the Transportation Department and dotted-line authority for Mechanical Department operations. Oversees the effective and timely movement of trains to improve operating efficiency and economy and maximize profitability. Plans and directs Fairbanks operations involving the receipt, handling, and distribution of rail freight at Fairbanks terminal facilities. Establishes and maintains lines of communication with ARRC connecting carriers and local suppliers to support cost-effective and timely movements. Develops and administers Fairbanks safety programs; evaluates operating practices; assesses incident reports; and participates in and, when assigned, directs operational incident and accident investigations in accordance with ARRC requirements. Establishes and models ARRC’s desired safety culture in Fairbanks. Gathers, collates, and analyzes empirical and anecdotal data regarding train movements, schedules, plans, and other performance measurements. Maintains records and documentation for all aspects of Fairbanks Operations. Posts and updates data to track train operations, develops and produces summary and detail reports and documentation regarding yard and train performance at the Fairbanks location. Coordinates Fairbanks personnel actions in accordance with ARRC policies and applicable collective bargaining agreements. Applies collective bargaining agreement provisions within assigned areas of responsibility and recommends changes, as appropriate, in coordination with Human Resources/Labor Relations. Develops employee training curriculum. Develops succession plans for non-represented positions in Fairbanks and provides guidance and counseling to existing management teams to prepare them for increasing responsibility. Schedules periodic meetings with customers, railroads, and others to review Fairbanks rail operations performance, address performance concerns, plan for ongoing events impacting rail operations, such as movement of military equipment, and develop and employ ongoing performance improvements and monitoring initiatives. Formulates and manages the annual operating and capital budget plans for Fairbanks Transportation. Establishes and maintains appropriate budgeting controls to ensure and track actual performance against goals. Establishes and directs operating contingency plans to ensure minimum disruption of train movements during abnormal right-of-way conditions or due to equipment failures. Develops the Fairbanks contingency plan in accordance with the ARRC Emergency Response guidelines. May serve as Fairbanks Incident Commander or other key position on the Incident Management Team during actual and simulated emergencies. Communicates ARRC strategic goals to Fairbanks employees and keeps the Superintendent, Transportation, and Chief Mechanical Officer informed of significant events and progress toward those goals. Recommends actions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Fairbanks and ARRC systems. Performs other duties as directed, including representing ARRC within the Fairbanks public and business communities. FACTOR 1: Technical and Operational Knowledge Requires thorough knowledge of federal and state regulations governing the movement of trains and vehicles on an operating railroad. Requires familiarity with railroad functions, including car and mechanical operations, track maintenance, and train movement. Requires proficiency with standard business software, including word-processing, spreadsheet, email, and related systems used to support railroad operations, reporting, analysis, and communication. Must communicate information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and actively and consistently enforce industry and ARRC safety standards. Promotes service standards that support operational performance and meet customer expectations. Requires strong leadership skills due to the level of coordination assigned to this position. The incumbent provides direction to the Fairbanks management team to support smooth execution and service performance that consistently meets or exceeds customer expectations. Must possess a valid driver’s license. FACTOR 2: Analytical Skills & Impact Ability to investigate, develop, and deploy technologies, equipment, and systems that support the coordination of rail movements and optimize the allocation of staff, equipment, and infrastructure. Analyzes, recommends, and manages automation enhancements and upgrades to technology used in rail operations. Applies technical and operational knowledge to determine the most effective and cost-efficient methods for running trains. FACTOR 3: Supervision and Control Supervises and provides direct leadership to the Fairbanks management team in the conduct of day-to-day business. Develops and manages the Fairbanks Transportation Department’s annual operating and capital budgets. FACTOR 4: Communication Contacts include executive management, employees, customers, railroads, regulatory officials, and the general public. These contacts involve providing guidance, direction, and information related to train operations. Coordinates Fairbanks operations with other ARRC senior managers, particularly the Superintendent, Transportation, Chief Mechanical Officer, and Safety Director. Keeps the Superintendent, Transportation, and Chief Mechanical Officer informed of significant events in Fairbanks. FACTOR 5: Working Conditions Work is performed approximately 60% of the time in an office environment and 40% in the field, including shops, yards, track roadbed, and work sites throughout the railbelt. The work requires exposure to railroad tracks and yards. During inspections or investigations, the incumbent is exposed to varying weather conditions and other environmental discomforts. Personal protective equipment is required in the field. The incumbent must operate an ARRC or other motor vehicle; remain on call and available outside normal business hours and on weekends, as necessary; and observe employees in a variety of field workplaces. Minimum Qualifications Education Requirements Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and railroad operations experience. Relevant qualifying experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis. Work Experience Ten years of progressively responsible railroad operations experience, including at least three years of direct supervisory experience, is required. Working knowledge of standard business software, including word-processing and spreadsheet applications, is required. Certification/License Requirements A valid driver’s license is required. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with a unionized or railroad-related workforce and with mainline railroads is preferred. Note: A dotted line relationship is an indirect or secondary line of responsibility within the organization predicated upon a functional reporting relationship in support of mutual operational objectives, with the ability to assign tasks and exert authority, while not serving as the direct administrative supervisor. The above reflects only the more significant details for the performance of the job and is not intended to be all-inclusive. #J-18808-Ljbffr