Division/Departments: D&SNG Mechanical Departments

Job Title: General Mechanical Foreman

Reports To: D&SNG GM and AHR CMO

Type of position: Salary

Employee Classification: Full Time/Regular Classification

Location: Durango, CO

Pay: $85,000 – $105,000

Position Summary -

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad General Mechanical Foreman (GMF) will be responsible for providing management leadership and mentoring, along with project and daily task oversight for the D&SNG mechanical team. This is a strong administrative and leadership role that will periodically perform work in the field. The successful candidate must have a background working with steam power serving a segment of the railroad industry, tourist or otherwise. 

Job activities range from overseeing the proper administration of the management staff and assisting foremen in the planning of daily maintenance repairs, service schedules, equipment and policy upgrades, purchases, staffing needs, and the overall reliability and efficiency of equipment within all the D&SNG mechanical/equipment departments. The GMF will be the primary mechanical liaison between D&SNG departments and senior management in the oversight of and goal towards maintaining and supplying safe and reliable motive power, on-track equipment and rolling stock to serve the Railroad’s growing operational and customer service goals. In addition, the GMF will take a leading position in overseeing the completion of outside mechanical contract work. The successful GMF must be a forward-thinking individual willing to provide effective and mature leadership while considering industry best practices in both the support of company assets and the training and leadership of the mechanical staff. This position will be based in Durango, Colorado however aspects of the role will occasionally be performed off site. The position may require occasional travel to various locations.

Key Responsibilities –

• Extensive motive power and rolling stock fleet planning and project execution, including experience with capital planning and project management.
• Possess thorough mechanical knowledge and troubleshooting abilities, specifically with steam and diesel locomotive systems, passenger cars and other rolling stock, including multiple types of air brakes, draft gear, suspension systems, roller and or plain bearings.
• Lead multiple mechanical department foreman in the development and implementation of department deliverables, policies and priorities in line with D&SNG policy and goals.
• Conduct company needs analysis and make recommendations in areas such as workforce effectiveness, equipment shortcomings and surpluses, planning and repair procedures, and facility efficiencies. Recommend and allocate resources accordingly towards those needs.
• Ensure proper inspection, maintenance, and repair reporting/records are accurate, current, and are being completed and adhered to for all underlying departments and equipment.
• Oversee that shop foremen are managing day to day running repairs in an organized, safe and efficient manner. 
• Take a leading role in the hiring and development of D&SNG mechanical management team members.
• Assist in performing administrative work such as scheduling and payroll timekeeping for subordinates when necessary.
• Work with the AHR CMO to implement AHR standard mechanical operating procedures and rules.
• Conduct operational field observations to ensure employees in all underlying departments are following all pertinent Federal and AHR safety requirements.
• Perform occasional hands-on repairs of locomotives, rail cars, and equipment.
• Perform logistical planning and transportation of various equipment moves.
• Work with AHR CMO in the development and management of budgets for all mechanical departments.
• Assist the AHR CMO in researching and preparing estimates and bids for contract clients.
• Review project and performance milestones on a regular basis, assuring projects are proceeding as expected with the desired quality and craftmanship.
• Communicate effectively with FRA and other governing entities. 
• Oversee the management of multiple long-term projects simultaneously with a forward-thinking risk management mindset.
• Work with the entire D&SNG management team to foster an entrepreneurial spirit through creation and or acquisitions of new revenue generating concepts.
• Must possess comfort in high-level decision making, negotiation, conflict resolution, teambuilding and presentations skills.
• Join in conducting safety audits, site specific inspections, identifying operating hazards and direct corrective actions as needed.
• Work effectively with the leadership of AHR, all individual company managers, and partner railroads and clients as needed.
• Implementation of and compliance with the company safety plan, including drug and alcohol policy.
• Assist mechanical department managers in training, hiring, development plans, and terminations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or similar experience.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mechanical, transportation, and/or railroad related fields
• Must be willing to travel or work remotely as required.
• Previous management experience with railroads having steam/diesel locomotives and a variety of passenger cars.
• Working knowledge of applicable railway industry and federal regulatory requirements, including but not limited to AAR, FRA, EPA, and OSHA.
• Advanced comprehension of safety manuals, operating and maintenance instructions, drawings, and manuals.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions, uneven surfaces, and can lift and carry up to 50lbs.
• Working knowledge of various trade skills such as welding, machining, electrical and general mechanical processes. 
• Effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to research and perform sourcing of products related to mechanical activities.
• Possess effective project management skills.
• Possess a high level of self-motivation and attention to detail to achieve on time execution of projects and tasks.
• Be able to work effectively and efficiently without regular direct oversight.
• Proficient in understanding, editing and composing contracts, project estimates, and reports.
• Proficient in common office computer programs including Word, Excel, and Power Point.

D&SNG Mechanical Department Background –

The D&SNG mechanical departments primary function are the upkeep and maintenance of the railroads operational fleet of eight steam locomotives, seven diesel locomotives, approximately 75 railcars and 50,000 sq ft. of shop facilities. D&SNG’s annual operations include year-round service of which nine months include daily service in the support of serving an average of 225,000 passengers. D&SNG can schedule up to four trains per day during peak seasons. 

In addition to train service, D&SNG is an NBIC “R” stamp repair shop that conducts contract repair business that has an average of no less than 12-15 contract jobs at any given time both on-site in Durango and on the road at customer facilities.

The mechanical division of the company consists of Steam, Diesel, Outside Contract, Car, and Purchasing/Supply Departments. These various departments employees approximately 35 full-time, year around staff members.