Superintendent Operations Manager
Northern Central Railway
New Freedom, PA


Summary of the Position:
A Superintendent Operations Manager reports to the Executive Director and works directly with the Locomotive Engineer, Locomotive Fireman, Senior Conductor, Shop Technicians, Train Crew, and Volunteers and is under the general direction of the Vice President of Operations and the Board of Directors of the Northern Central Railway, Steam Into History. The position reports to work at the NCR Train Station, 2 West Main Street, New Freedom, PA 17349, and will be dispatched to do train operations and service work as defined by current-day operating schedules for trains or from work assigned by the Executive Director and the Board of Directors as it applies to railroad operations.

A Superintendent Operations Manager will be responsible for operating locomotives and running trains for scheduled excursions and for working with the train crew during all aspects of train operations. The Superintendent Operations Manager’s priority is the safety of all individuals in and near the train during all phases of train operations while providing a superior guest experience. This position will also be responsible for maintenance of track, bridges, and all rail equipment. FRA paperwork along with coordination of required equipment inspections will also be the responsibility of this position. Any and all maintenance and shop work will be conducted and overseen along with anything needed to keep the facilities ready for both employees and guests. Train schedules and crew schedules for train operations will be coordinated by this position along with volunteer help for equipment restoration projects and general maintenance to include the track and facilities of the railroad.

The position is a full-time exempt salary position. Work availability along with start and finish times will be assigned by the Executive Director. Some weekend work will be required during normal train operations. Persons are to have a valid driver’s license and be able to commute to and from the work site.

Key Accountabilities:
The below items are accountabilities a Superintendent Operations Manager will need to meet along with a weighted percentage to give an idea of how time is typically allocated to the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Key Accountabilities.
1. Supervising And Performing Safe Train Equipment Operations (45%)
2. Overseeing Maintenance / Operations Of Buildings, Track, Equipment, And Restorations (25%)
3. Creating Guest Satisfaction Through Exceptional Guest Service (10%)
4. Supervising Staff, Volunteer, And Guest Communication (10%)

Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Other duties may include assisting on the train or with event activities. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice based on needs.

Supervising And Preforming Safe Train Equipment Operations: (45%)

• Reporting to this position are Shop Foreman, Engineer, Fireman, Conductor, Brakeman staff positions and volunteer positions including Flagger, Building and Rolling Stock Maintenance, Model Railroad Builder, and Model Railroad Operator.
• Recommend the hiring, training, reviews, discipline, and separation of direct reports to the Executive Director and Vice President of Operations.
• Recommend pay changes and compensation of direct reports to the Executive Director and Vice President of Operations.
• Ensure staff and volunteers are professional, competent, friendly, treat all visitors respectfully, and comply with all company policies.
• In charge of all persons and activities that occur on and around the train during train operations.
• Ensure safety of all individuals on or near the train and compliance with all safety rules and procedures.
• Investigates and documents all safety related incidents and recommend and implement safety and work practice improvements.
• Operate, after obtaining the appropriate qualifications, locomotives and understand the operational, qualification, and equipment differences between steam and diesel equipment.
• Operate all motive power and rolling stock rail equipment safely and in compliance with FRA and AAR standards and company operating procedures.
• Maintain current and correct rules book, operation guidelines, and safety procedures to include keeping the company safety handbook current.
• Ensure compliance with FRA and AAR standards and regulations and railroad operating procedures and file all applicable paperwork, documents, and reports in a timely manner.
• Implement train excursion schedules and schedule train crews.
• Inspect locomotive, before and after runs, in terms of company and FRA required tests and checks.
• Perform FRA required brake tests and document results as required to ensure equipment is in safe working condition and is compliant with regulations and requirements; has authority to determine if any coach or brake rigging is unsafe to operate.
• Ensure that logbooks and procedure manuals are in the driver’s cab for use by staff.
• Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.
• Facilitate the safe and efficient operation of the train and crew; work with the Locomotive Engineer, Locomotive Fireman, Senior Conductor, and other crew members to ensure compliance with safety rules and regulations.
• Create, manage, and monitor budget performance for train operations and maintenance.
Overseeing Maintenance / Operations Of Buildings, Track, Equipment, And Restorations: (25%)[color=#000000][color=#000000][/color][/color]
• Manage all shop activities and projects including the planning and implementation of equipment and roadway maintenance programs.
• Complete inspections, maintenance, and repair of locomotives, railcars, other equipment, roadway maintenance programs.
• Maintain shop facilities, equipment, and roadway in adherence to FRA, ARA, company, and safety standards.
• Implement and supervise safety, crew, and shop training programs, certifying crew and staff members.
• Accurately forecast capital expenditures and repair and maintenance projects.
• Identify and evaluate future equipment acquisition.

Creating Guest Satisfaction Through Exceptional Guest Service: (10%)

• Represent the mission, and values to all guest.
• Help guests and handle problems or requests.
• Maintain cleanliness of locomotive crew areas during and after operations.
• Relay a sense of confidence and understanding to the guest.

Supervising Staff, Volunteer, And Guest Communication: (10%)

• Recruit, train, and supervise staff and volunteers in accordance with company policy.
• Communicate directly with the Locomotive Engineer, Senior Conductor, and Shop Technicians during all phases of train operations through radio device, company rule book approved hand signals, and verbally direct communication.
• Supervise the Shop Technician, Locomotive Engineer, Locomotive Fireman, Senior Conductor and any other staff or volunteers working on the train making sure they are properly performing their job duties and responsibilities.
• Communicate effectively with all crew members to receive information concerning train movement and conditions, ensuring safe and efficient train movement.
• Fill out and manage all position and FRA train related paperwork completely and in a timely manner, turning it into the appropriate office persons.
• Work to keep a positive attitude with all guests and staff or volunteers in all levels of communication.
• Ensure communication with both guests and staff or volunteers has been made so that definable outcomes can be achieved.
• Provide all correct and up to date train ride information to all guests at all times.
• Follow proper protocol in information dissemination, keeping company business of any kind private and away from the general public.
• Develop and maintain a positive and effective working relationship with the Board of Directors.
• Support the organization’s vision, mission, and strategic plan.

Work Conditions:
• Ability to work around loud machines and equipment.
• Ability to work alone or in mixed groups.
• Ability to work in all kinds of weather conditions.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts and report out of any location across our system.
• Able to perform heavy physical labor.
• Must be able to lift up to 70lbs.
• Must have strong 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 of sound.
• Ability to walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, climb, stand or sit for long periods, maintain good balance all day, and get into areas with restricted access headroom conformity.
• Finger dexterity, operation of motor vehicle, operation of equipment, manage multiple tasks/projects, close attention to detail and adapt to ever changing work environment.
• Exposure to chemicals, noise, dust, and heights.
• Ability to successfully pass pre-employment and random drug screen, physical examination, vision, hearing, and breath alcohol tests.

We Look For These Technical Skills In A Superintendent Operations Manager:
• Safety first focus.
• Teamwork orientation.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced math skills.
• Proficient in the use of welding equipment and fabrication, machine, power, and hand tools.
• Possess fabrication, welding, and basic carpentry skills.
• Able to read and work with mechanical and engineered drawings.
• Utilize computer programs in the Microsoft Office Suite of computer programs.
• Guest service experience a plus.
• FRA Rules and Regulations experience.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to lead and manage others, make decisions, and act.
• Able to work under pressure of many priorities and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of long-range planning process.
• Obtain clearances as required by PA Child Protective Services regulations to include PA Child Abuse History Clearance, FBI Criminal Background Check, And PA Criminal Background Check.

Qualification Requirements For A Superintendent Operations Manager:

• Detailed working knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rules and railway operating procedures.
• Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) rules knowledge.
• Northern Central Railway Rule Book general and position specific qualification testing.
• Able to operate railroad equipment including steam and diesel locomotives.
• Train mechanics knowledge including air break valves and break rigging, steam mechanics, diesel mechanics, boiler mechanics, rail cars mechanics, and maintenance of way as it applies to railroads.
• Ability to read, speak, and write English.
• Valid driver’s license.

We Look For This Level Of Experience In A Superintendent Operations Manager:
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a certified steam or diesel locomotive engineer.
• Minimum of three (3) years of railroad mechanical/technical experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of management experience.
• Specialized training and knowledge of the operations of tourist railroads preferred.
• Training and experience in diesel and heavy equipment repair.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent with associate degree or equivalent railroad experience preferred.
• Railroad Rules Class certifications.

Where do we send a resume and cover letter too?

Resumes can be emailed to Azimmerman@northerncentralrailway.com

Thank you!