Barge Operations and Logistics Supervisor; Alaska Railroad

Position Overview

Based in Seattle, Washington and reports to the Barge Operations and Logistics Lead Supervisor. Assists with interchanging rail traffic in Seattle from connecting railroads. Supervises weekly loading and unloading traffic to/from Alaska Rail Marine Services (ARMS) barges, manages contract lashing employees, and operates barge slewing equipment. Provides backup for the Manager of Rail Marine Operations, manages direct customer relationships, and coordinates freight movement to meet customer needs.

• Ensures seamless communication and coordination for all weekly barge departure and arrival activities, building relationships with contracts and connected parties.

• Operates barge slewing equipment during loading and unloading, aligning rail tracks between barge and floating dock.

• Provides direction to Class 1 train crews for safe switching operations, supervises contract lashing employees, and coordinates delivery of Alaska-bound traffic from BNSF and UP railroads.

• Prepares and verifies accurate paperwork, corrects mistakes in customer and railroad documentation, and maintains system data consistency.

• Backs up slip operations and over-Seattle operations, ensuring landing and securing of barge arrivals on mooring dolphins 24/7.

• Generates customer reports of car locations, arrival information, and final manifest‑train reports in the OIS system; includes special handling instructions and hazardous material reporting.

• Monitors ARRC‑owned or leased equipment in interchange service, coordinates movements and placement for repairs and maintenance, and supplies routing instructions and EDI to lower 48 railroads.

• Contacts customers to provide load plans, rules, correct information, and advises on load securing requirements and special handling requests.

• Supports marketing staff with contract negotiations, logistical support, and customer service; communicates with customers and vendors to identify business opportunities.

• Participates in Incident Command exercises and may operate a company vehicle as required.

Requires two years of working knowledge of rail transportation systems and/or the logistics industry, preferably with a Class 1 U.S. railroad. Proficient with car tracing systems, railroad nomenclature, tariffs, contracts, waybills, bills of lading, manifests, and maritime work is preferred.

Must think quickly and respond to service issues, analyze weekly barge space utilization, summarize railcar loads by equipment type, commodity, weight, and hazardous placement. Understands railcar movement and major Class 1 U.S. railroad map.

At least one year of supervisory experience. Oversees UP switch crews, contract lashers, and marine contract employees on ARRC property, setting a professional example.

Relationship building is key; communicates with customers, stakeholders, and Anchorage ARRC staff. Follows proper radio procedures and can order a halt to operations when needed.

Field environment with occasional office work; accepts on‑call schedule for unforeseen events. Position is based on Harbor Island in the Seattle metropolitan area during barge operations.

High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

At least two years operating experience in rail transportation or similar, preferably with a Class 1 U.S. railroad. Additional maritime or barge work experience is preferred. At least two years of supervisory or lead worker experience required. Willing and able to operate barge slewing equipment under varying conditions and lift at least 50 pounds.

Valid driver’s license; must obtain a Homeland Security Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) within 90 days of hire.

Bachelor’s degree in business administration is preferred. Experience operating a barge slip is preferred.

Alaska Railroad Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.