TOFC Equipment Operator Trainee (Alaska Railroad)

Job Title

Safely operate forklifts, tractor-trailers, Van loaders, rail yard equipment, and other cargo-handling equipment while loading and unloading freight to and from railcars and delivery vehicles.

Job Description

Purpose Of Position: Safely operate forklifts, tractor-trailers, Van loaders, rail yard equipment, and other cargo-handling equipment while loading and unloading freight to and from railcars and delivery vehicles.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities: Operates forklifts from 3-to to 25-tons, van packers and other comparable equipment. Selects proper lifting devices, such as spreader bars, slings, bridles, and shackles. Spots, aligns, and directs operators by proper hand or voice signals during the loading and unloading of trailers and containers. Assists with the loading, lashing, protection, securing and unloading of cargo, ensuring that load is properly distributed and that tractor-trailer is not loaded beyond rated capacity. Operates a car mover and shaker to dump coal in Fairbanks. Performs routine operator maintenance activities such as fueling, checking oil, lights and water on equipment or vehicle operated. Cleans interior and exterior of equipment or vehicles; ensures fire extinguisher and other safety appliances are intact and operable on assigned tractor trailer/truck or equipment. Completes preventive maintenance and operational records on assigned tractor-trailer or other equipment and driver's accident reports in the event of an accident. Performs other duties as assigned.

Factor 1 Knowledge: Skill and knowledge of operating 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 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 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 driver's license.

Factor 2 Responsibilities: Safely operates van packer, 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.

Factor 3 Physical Effort: Lifts and carry 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.

Factor 4 Work Conditions: 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 required. Experience operating cranes, forklifts, van packers, or other comparable equipment, driving tractor-trailers, or working in a TOFC office or similar freight operation is preferred but not required. Training will be provided. 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. Must have a valid driver's license. To be considered a valid driver's license, an employee must maintain a continuous three-year period free of any Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Operating Under the Influence (OUI) convictions. Must be capable of obtaining a valid Class A commercial driver's license within six (6) months of hire.

For TOFC Equipment Operator: High school diploma or GED required. Must have two years of experience in operating forklifts, van packers or other comparable equipment, and/or driving tractor-trailers. Experience in a TOFC Office or other similar freight operation is preferred. 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. Must have a valid Class A commercial driver's license.

Additional Required Information

Note: This is a flex position with a grade range of 8/10. Entry level incumbents will be paid ARW08 wages until they demonstrate that they can perform the full range of duties as outlined in the position description. Determination of incumbent's ability to perform the full range of duties will be made by the supervisor and full performance must be reached within 6 months of hire into the position.

Contact Information

Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at View phone number on click.appcast.io (toll free) or View phone number on click.appcast.io if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to View email address on click.appcast.io.

Benefits

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