Job Description

This position is open until filled.

Under direction of the Freight Manager, the Freight Utility Worker-Dispatcher performs varied duties in support of the agency’s Freight Division. Duties may include maintenance and servicing of locomotives, track inspection and maintenance, operation of locomotives and dispatching of freight locomotives.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Freight Manager. When acting as Freight Dispatcher provides instruction to freight train crews.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

The Freight Utility Worker-Dispatcher performs a variety of maintenance, inspection, and transportation activities in a railroad environment. Utility workers may service, inspect, repair and clean locomotives and train cars and perform a variety of support activities in locomotive and car repair areas. Duties may also include inspecting tracks and acting as part of a train crew involved in the movement of freight locomotives and trains, the delivery of goods and dispatching freight.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative only)

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by, and minimum requirements required of, employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the typical functions of the job.

In addition to the minimum qualifications listed below, an applicant must meet the qualifications of at least two of the following groups within one year of employment:

Train Operations

• Three (3) years full time equivalent of verifiable experience operating trains in a general Railroad System environment.
• Must meet or exceed the requirements for certified Conductor per 49 CFR Part 242.
• Must meet or exceed the requirements for certified Engineer per 49 CFR Part 240.
• Must be a Federal Railroad Administration Certified Locomotive Engineer and possess a current certification issued by a railroad with a Certification Program that complies with the rules of, and is approved by, the Federal Railroad Administration as described in 49 CFR Part 240.
• SMART is required to consider the following incidents for the preceding 36 months prior to SMART certification:
  • A conviction for or a completed state action to cancel, revoke, suspend, or deny a motor vehicle driver’s license for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of or impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance.
  • A conviction for or a completed state action to cancel, revoke, suspend or deny a motor vehicle driver’s license for refusal to undergo such testing as is required by State law when a law enforcement official seeks to determine whether a person is operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

If such an incident as described above is documented, SMART will follow 49 CFR Part 240.115 and/or 49 CFR Part 242.111

Track Inspection and Maintenance

• Two (2) years of experience in construction or related work, with six months of track maintenance experience
• Successful completion of a Training program and post-training qualification period.
• Ability to acquire appropriate certification for track maintenance work.
• Class A Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within the first 24 months of employment.
• Must meet 49 CFR Part 213.7 (a), (b), and (c) qualification requirements.

Locomotive and Freight Car Inspection and Maintenance/Repair

• Inspects, services, and maintains diesel locomotives in accordance with federal and company regulations.
• Diagnoses diesel-engine malfunctions and makes indicated repairs using hand tools and measuring instruments.
• Repairs and inspects railway cars according to AAR, FRA, CPUC and company standards. Repairs, removes, or replaces defective components such as wheels, safety appliances, truck and brake equipment, and couplers.
• Uses hand tools, power tools, and other measuring equipment required in the performance of duties.
• Performs maintenance activity, both scheduled and on demand, including air brake tests, lubrication, and cleaning of moving parts.
• Prepares numerous written reports/forms including bad order forms; AAR billing forms; dimensional loading forms; Prepares record of car repairs for monthly billing process.
• Performs re-railing activities, emergency, and other repairs within yard limits, on the road and at customer sites.
• Repairs, removes, or replaces components with the use of air jacks, blocks, cutting and heating torch and other hand tools.
• Inspects, measures, and secures lading on rail cars.
• May be required to handle hazardous materials.
• Work on or around heavy/moving machinery.
• Perform scheduled and preventative maintenance on tools and equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Freight Dispatching Duties

• Monitors, controls, and coordinates the status and performance of SMART freight train operations on SMART-owned and SMART operated lines.
• Maintains direct and continuous communication with Freight Train crews.
• Oversees freight rail operations by use of computer-generated displays, display board, indications, computer inputs and voice communications.
• Monitors and interprets the train control display board, computer workstations displays and radio communications to determine the status of freight train operations.
• Dispatches and directs freight train movements using SMART’s train control and signal systems, and radio communications.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must possess a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent.
• Two (2) years of full time equivalent verifiable field experience in a Railroad Operations environment.
• Satisfactory driving record as defined below:
  • No more than two moving violations and/or “at fault” accidents within the last 3 years.
  • No “at fault” in a fatal accident within the past 5
  • No leaving the scene of an accident within the past 3
• No DUI’s or Reckless Driving codes within the last 7 years on the current DMV printout. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment medical exam that uses the standards of the California Commercial Driver’s License.
• Must participate in the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing program per 49 CFR Part 219 in its
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Possession of a valid California’s drivers’ license (or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment).

Other Qualifications:

• Experience as a Dispatcher preferred but not required.
• Possession of a valid California’s drivers’ license (or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment).

Position Details

• Will be part of Federal Railroad Retirement and the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA).
• There is a 12-month probationary period following appointment to this position.
• FLSA Status: Non- Exempt.
• A thorough background check will be required including, but not limited to current and past employers, personal contacts, education verification. A credit report will be required for positions covered under Labor Code 1204.5.
• A pre-employment physical including urinalysis drug screen, will be required.
• Position subject to Hours of Service, DOT, and FRA Regulations when performing safety sensitive functions.
• Position subject to DOT and FRA Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations.
• SMART is a drug-free workplace. All employees will be expected to behave in accordance with this policy.
• A premium of 15% per hour will be paid while performing dispatching duties.
• If you are a person with a disability and require an accommodation to participate in a SMART program, service, or activity, requests may be made by calling SMART Human Resources at 707-794-3039 (Voice), Dial 711 for CA Relay, or by email to jobs@sonomamarintrain.org at least five business days in advance of the event. We will do our best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats upon request.

The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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