Job Description

This customer-centric, operations-driven position demands the highest caliber of skill, knowledge, and execution to ensure the safety and efficiency of rail operations through the required use of innovative technology and data entry across our 19,500 mile rail network.

Ensure compliance with all applicable rules and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations.

• Direct and coordinate railroad traffic, issue permits and authorities, monitor all rail movements, and maintain accurate electronic records of all activities.
• Maintain operational qualification, knowledge, and performance with scheduled trains, including their destinations, times of arrivals and departures, customer locations, and territory physical characteristics.
• Focus on safety of operations, protecting personnel by communicating hazards or conditions, including any environmental/external conditions affecting train movement.
• Plan, monitor and execute efficient resource allocations for trains and on-track equipment according to operating plan and customer needs.
• Remotely control track switches and traffic signals, and appropriately apply and remove blocking devices that protect our employees.
• Recognize, respond to, engage, and resolve irregularities and unusual occurrences to mitigate impacts to safety and network fluidity.
• Operate independently while deploying human-assisted technology to execute smooth and effective movement of priority trains, trains containing hazardous material or restricted shipments, and meets/passes to avoid unnecessary delays to our customers.
• Coordinate, establish and maintain protection for track installation, repair, and inspection by our Engineering Department personnel.
• Other duties as assigned by manager.

Knowledge and Skills

• Computer Aided Dispatching Software.
• Comprehensive knowledge of train operations and operating rules.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated experience and ability to communicate clearly both verbally and written.
• Prioritize and manage multiple issues throughout the shift.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, manage time effectively and maintain control over multiple projects and responsibilities; follow up on all relevant issues.
• Ability to reason, compare, understand, and think rationally on the job.

Environment and Training

Working Conditions

• Work hours include a nonstandard work week and various shift work.
• Available for duty as needed. To be eligible for 40 hours of guaranteed pay per week, the employee must be available continuously until they have either completed 40 hours of work in a calendar work week, or the seven-day calendar work week has concluded.
• Available to report to work with 90-minute advance notice.
• Able to work in a seated or standing position for long periods of time.

Employment Conditions

• Work safely to prevent on job accidents and injuries.
• Complete annual training and pass safety and operating rules examinations.
• Federal regulations require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol.
• Must pass all required assessments.
• Must pass a background screening.
• May require a post offer medical examination, including drug test and physical capabilities test.
• Work tracking train and on-track equipment movements on multiple platforms in fast-paced environment.
• Mandatory association (including membership dues) with the ATDA, (American Train Dispatchers Association).

Training

Training will consist of instructor-led classes and on-the-job training, with required testing at various stages.

Trainees must fulfill the requirements and incremental steps of the Training Program for continued employment.

After successful completion of the classroom training program, dispatchers will be assigned to the Network Operations Center where hands-on training and instruction takes place to further build skills and proficiency. The training program, coupled with diligent trainee participation has been found to yield a candidate ready for review and possible promotion after approximately twenty-three weeks. Final reviews are then conducted, and disposition determined by Norfolk Southern management.

To learn more about the Train Dispatcher position watch these brief videos detailing the position and our Network Operations Center (NOC)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujHhREbIAGc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXVl9iqEA54

Pay & Benefits

Pay during training is $180/day.

Upon successful completion of training, dispatchers will enter the 5-year progression rate as it relates to years of service and each year resulting in a 5% increase.

New hire - $315.30/Shift

After 12 months of service - $336.32/Shift

After 24 months of service - $357.34/Shift

After 36 months of service - $378.36/Shift

After 48 months of service - $399.38/Shift

After 60 months of services - $420.40/Shift