Train Dispatcher Student; Alaska Railroad

This position is open to current Alaska Railroad employees only.

To schedule the movement of trains to provide for safe meets and passes; issue Mandatory Directives affecting, directing, and authorizing the movement of trains and maintenance personnel. Manage unexpected events and emergency situations to protect the public, railroad employees and property; arrange for the use of track by maintenance employees to permit timely maintenance while minimizing train delay and providing protection.

This is a training position. Training will be primarily on-the-job with experienced Train Dispatchers. Upon completion of the training, a written and verbal examination will be given by an ARRC panel to determine skill, knowledge, and application of Rules and Regulations acquired during the training program. Upon completion of the Training Program, employees will be able to perform the major duties and responsibilities cited below.

Experienced Train Dispatchers may have all, or portions of the training requirements waived based on experience and written and verbal examination results.

Responsible for the safe and prompt movement of all trains, railcars, cranes, ditchers, and other assorted track equipment. Issues track warrants, directing and authorizing the movement of trains and maintenance personnel. Must be able to calculate running times for trains. Provides direction and instructions to train crews, track car operators, and other track equipment operators in order to effectively expedite the movement of traffic and ensure the safe operation of the railroad.

Provides station employees with pertinent information relative to train operations. Maintains various records, Event Reports, and notifications. Responsible for planning and establishing call times for trains and crews. Issues appropriate instructions to crew dispatch, terminal employees, and/or Terminal Supervisors, etc. Operates a computer-aided dispatching system, a personal computer, radio controller, and telephone to transmit instructions and information to train crews and other employees.

Responsible for accurate record keeping of train delays, mainline work windows, unusual events, and miscellaneous administrative work as may be delegated by the Chief Train Dispatcher. Train Dispatchers are the first point of contact for all reports of incidents, accidents and emergencies, including but not limited to derailments, spills, weather related events, and earthquakes and must take immediate and appropriate action to ensure the safety and well-being of employees, passengers, the public, and ARRC equipment and property.

Coordinates train movement by making plans for trains to meet or pass in a manner consistent with railroad rules of operations. Makes decisions based on schedules assigned to meet customers’ needs. Records train time logs and delay reports. Prioritizes maintenance work windows and on time train departures and arrivals.

Schedules and assigns initial, replacement, or emergency crews to trains depending on available work time of individual crews and purpose of the trip.

• Ability to make sound judgments and decisions
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work under pressure in stressful conditions
• Ability to verbally communicate effectively
• Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements
• Clear and precise writing skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to establish priorities
• Knowledge of Railroad Operating Rules
• Reliability and dependability
• Ability to supervise or lead
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to type and use a computer

Experience in Word, Excel and Outlook is preferred. Must be able to follow written and oral instructions and be capable of working with a high degree of independence. Must be adaptable and able to evaluate changing situations and establish priorities based on available information. Must be able to work under pressure and meet critical deadlines. Must have strong interpersonal skills, be able to speak clearly, read and understand operating and safety rules, exercise good judgment, analyze problems and take corrective action.

Must…