Job Description

Position Title:  Assistant Railroad Operations Manager (AOM)

Reports directly to:  Manager, Railroad Operations (MRO)

Position type:  Full Time – Hourly

Over sees: Other Train Crews

General Description:

The North Shore Scenic railroad is seeking skilled and dedicated crew members, who’s primary role is to work in train service positions such as Brakeman, Conductor, or Locomotive Engineer.  The North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR) offers opportunities for volunteers to work in these positions.  When volunteers are unavailable, it will be AOM’s responsibility to work these crew positions as assigned by the Manager, Railroad Operations.  The NSSR’s primary rail service is passenger excursion trains and limited freight operations using historic/vintage passenger cars and locomotives.

When not working in train service positions, other duties will be assigned such as administrative tasks, seasonal mechanical shop assistant, event support, supervisory oversight of volunteers or assisting in the management of all daily and long-term operations of trains on the North Shore Scenic Railroad and Lake Superior Railroad Museum (LSRM) in a safe, professional and productive manner.

Specific train crew responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Compliance with current operating rules, safety rules, air brake & train handling rules and all Federal regulations.
• Working in various train service positions such as Brakeman, Conductor, or Locomotive Engineer as assigned.
• Carrying out duties as assigned by the Manager, Railroad Operations.
• Operation of railroad locomotives and rail equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration regulations.
• Conduct job briefings to review instructions from dispatchers, managers and discuss with locomotive engineer and train crew.
• Perform daily equipment inspections on locomotives and railcars as required.
• Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone.
• Read and understand track bulletins, work orders, and switch lists.
• Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches and control train movements.
• Make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy coupler components, brake shoes, or air brake hoses.
• Ensure accurate movement and placement of cars and trains as directed by Switch Lists and Crew Notices.
• Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety and security.
• Comprehend illuminated, colorized signals and/or flags to govern train movement.
• See and interpret hand signals.
• Respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to visual symbols, signals and displays (sound, light, picture, etc.).
• Applies and release hand brakes on railcars and equipment.
• Ascends and descends steps and ladders to get on and off the equipment.
• Coupling railcars and lacing air hoses and 480 volt electrical connections.
• Lining track switches and visually ensuring.
• Complete and submit various written reports including Daily Train Inspection Reports, Delay Reports and Hours of Service Reports.

Specific manager responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Instruct and train new volunteers for all train service positions.
• Helping to ensure railroad equipment stays in good working condition.
• Managing the movement and use of equipment and materials in and/or out of the train station and onboard trains in accordance with NSSR policy and procedures, as well as complying with relevant Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements
• Perform various administrative audits as assigned.
• Assist with field testing and evaluations of crew members working in train service positions.
• Attend regularly scheduled meetings as assigned.

Prerequisite Conditions:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship.
• Willingness to comply with company policies regarding the use of personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety boots and hearing protection.
• Must have been qualified on GCOR and/or USOR within the last 3 years
• Must obtain and maintain a Locomotive Engineer’s License within 1 year of hire
• Must have at least 2 years of previous railroad experience
• Must be able to meet deadlines and follow schedules
• Must be willing to work non-traditional hours as needed, including weekends and limited holidays
• Must have the ability to direct and coach others and work in a team environment
• Must be able to work in a stressful environment at times
• Strong verbal, written and communication skills as well as organizational skills
• Knowledge of CFR Part 49 regulations pertaining to railroad operations preferred
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to read and speak English fluently.
• Be able to solve problems quickly and react to changing conditions on the job.
• Must have good vision and hearing, including the ability to see and read hand signals from near and far; distinguish between colors; visually judge the speed and distance of moving objects; see at night and recognize changes in sounds.
• Must be able to push, pull, lift and carry up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must have good balance and coordination to step on and off equipment (standing or moving) and work from ladders to perform various tasks.
• Must be able to walk, sit, stand and stoop comfortably.
• Must be able to work comfortably in all weather conditions – including snow, ice, rain, cold and heat.
• Must be able to work frequently at elevations more than 12 feet above the ground.
• Must be able to walk on various surfaces (rock, mud, sand, gravel, asphalt, concrete, wood, metal, ice and wet surfaces) for prolonged periods.

This is a “Safety Sensitive” position which is governed by Federal Law.  Employees who hold this position are subject to random drug and alcohol screening at any time while on duty.  In addition to the above responsibilities all employees of the Organization are responsible to conduct themselves in a professional manner.  Every employee is equally important to the effective operation of the railroad museum. Because of the unique nature of museum work, it sometimes becomes necessary to assume additional responsibilities at times when directed by management and/or the board of directors. Although this may not be detailed in your job description, it should be considered to be part of your job.

About and How to Apply

The North Shore Scenic Railroad is a passenger (tourist) and car storage railroad operating between Duluth and Two Harbors in Northern Minnesota.  It is affiliated with the nonprofit Lake Superior Railroad Museum as its parent company. Openings are immediate.  Apply with letter and resume’ to Ken Buehler at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum/North Shore Scenic Railroad – ken@lsrm.org – 506 West Michigan Street, Duluth, MN  55802.