Director, Fairbanks Operations; Alaska Railroad

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.

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,…