Division/Department: Dispatcher/ Operations

Job Title: Train Dispatcher

Reports To: Superintendent of Operations

Type of Position: Regular - Full Time

Employee Classification: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Compensation: $20/hr. - $26/hr.

Location: Durango, CO

Summary:

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is seeking a full time Train Dispatcher.
 

The primary function of this advanced operating department position is to dispatch trains and other on track equipment movements over the railroad in a safe and efficient manner by issuing Authorities to occupy the Main Track.  Accordingly, Train Dispatchers must successfully complete training and testing on all D&SNGRR Operating, Safety, Airbrake & Train handling, and Timetable rules.  They must also possess or quickly acquire an acute understanding of the physical characteristics of the D&SNGRR.  Ideal candidates will have two years’ experience on the D&SNGRR or other railroad in an operational type role. Other candidates who demonstrate an exceptional aptitude to learn D&SNGRR operating practices and physical characteristics may be considered. All candidates must demonstrate good judgement and possess the ability to remain calm and even tempered during highly stressful situations.

The Train Dispatcher’s Office is the center of communication for the D&SNGRR, and Train Dispatchers must have excellent communication and good computer skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Train Dispatchers are expected to disseminate and communicate operational information between workers in the field and other necessary parties using the railroad radio system, telephone, and/or email. They will be expected to notify and update the Management Team of operational delays or unusual circumstances and will dispatch emergency services to the field when necessary; they must have the ability to appropriately handle sensitive and/or confidential information. Train Dispatchers will be expected to record and publish at the end of each shift a report containing details of the day’s activities on the railroad.

Other duties of the Train Dispatcher include but are not limited to record keeping, calling operating crews, and scheduling maintenance of the Train Dispatcher’s Database and computer when needed.

This position will typically work 4 shifts lasting up to 12 hours each during the summer Silverton operating season and 5 shifts lasting up to 8 hours each during the winter operating season, including weekends and holidays. Extra/overtime shifts may be available. Train Dispatchers may also be expected to maintain qualifications for other Operating Department positions and work fill in shifts for those positions as necessary. They may be assigned other duties as necessary, especially during times when the Operating Schedule is slow. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Successful completion of training and testing on D&SNG Operating, Safety, Airbrake & Train Handling, and Timetable rules.
• Reports for duty on time and in possession of all items necessary and required by rule for service.
• Complies with Federal Railroad Administration Hours of Service laws.
• Uses railroad radio communication system according to correct procedures.
• Publishes, Maintains and Distributes Track Bulletins.
• Issues Main Track Authority to Trains, Maintenance of Way, and other on track equipment, facilitating safe and efficient operation of the railroad.
• Maintains records: Track Authorities Issued, Track Bulletins, Time Slips, Train Delay Reports, employee training records, and other records as necessary.
• Disseminates information regarding operations to the appropriate parties.
• Acts as a communication liaison between various departments and crews working in the field.
• Informs and regularly updates Management Team on delays or unusual operating circumstances.
• Dispatches emergency services to trains or workers in the field as necessary.
• Publishes Daily Reports outlining activity on the railroad.
• Appropriately handles and disseminates to proper parties sensitive and confidential information.
• Calls and schedules relief crews as necessary; updates operating schedule as last-minute changes occur.
• Maintains up-to-date inventory, location, and serviceability of rolling stock.
• Communicates switching needs between Car Department and Operating Crews.
• Maintains / develops qualifications and ability to work fill in shifts in other Operating Department positions.
• Facilitates and schedules maintenance of Dispatcher’s Access Database as necessary.
• Other duties and clerical work as required.

 Education, Skills, and Work Experience Requirements:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience working on or around heavy equipment is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with railroad operations: two years of experience in a railroad operating role preferred 
• Thorough understanding of the physical characteristics of the D&SNGRR. Two years of experience in a D&SNGRR train or on track equipment operating role preferred, but other candidates demonstrating requisite aptitude to learn physical characteristics quickly may be considered.
• Demonstrates good judgement.
• Is focused and attentive to detail and able to multitask.
• Comfort and confidence organizing hectic and sometimes chaotic operating circumstances.
• Remains calm, composed, and even tempered in highly stressful situations.
• Functions well within a team environment.
• Must pass physical capabilities evaluation, pre-employment drug screen, and comply with zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy.

 Work Environment:

• Must wear all the required personal protective equipment.
• Works 4-5 shifts per week which will last up to 12 hours during the summer season and 8 hours during the winter season. These shifts will include weekends and holidays.
• Works at a computer and talks on the railroad radio communication system in an office environment.
• Uses computers and related equipment including printers and scanners.
• Must be able to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Frequent to occasional lifting, carrying, and lowering of equipment or materials weighing up to 75 lbs.
• Navigating safely in and around a railroad yard and industrial environment.