Train Dispatcher

Job Summary

This role is responsible for coordinating the movement of trains and engineering gangs within the Kansas City Southern network. The ideal candidate will have a strong analytical mindset and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate railroad traffic, issuing authorities and operating signals remotely from the NOC office
• Monitor all train movements and maintain computerized records of delays
• Know the assigned territory and keep direct leaders informed of any changes or challenges to execute schedules and ordered movements
• Communicate with train crews on weather or any environmental conditions affecting train movement and adjust plans accordingly
• Monitor computerized train control panels (TMDS)
• Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals, remotely applying and removing blocking devices
• Report alleged violations of operating rules and any irregularity related to train movement
• Plan in advance for smooth and effective movement of priority trains, including trains containing hazardous material or restricted shipments, and meets/passes to avoid unnecessary delays
• Coordinate track usage with Engineering Department personnel
• Deliver information to Terminal Supervisors and sub terminals about the arrival of trains
• Demonstrate operational excellence by knowing and applying the business requirements, demonstrating customer focus and contingency planning to ensure stakeholder expectations are met
• Understand the relevant business metrics such as gross velocity, train length, re-crews, and apply tactics to sustain a culture of operational effectiveness
• Identify when a rule/regulation/policy has been violated and have one-on-one accountability conversations with an individual who has not met expectations, using KCS Candor, Aligning the Stars & KCS ABC's, and have the individual produce better results
• Demonstrate KCS's commitment to being ONE TEAM - Living a Speak Up Culture - by using communication and interpersonal skills to enhance inclusion, civility, respect, innovation, safety, customer focus, teamwork within KCS, while encouraging and enabling others to do the same
• Define and communicate clearly the team's roles and responsibilities, hold people accountable for accomplishing objectives, recognize and reward people who achieve results and deliver on performance expectations, provide pinpointed (specific & measurable) feedback on performance
• Develop and retain a strong team of high performers, create a challenging and rewarding work environment, organize a diverse group of people into a cohesive team to leverage their energy, knowledge and skills, create grassroots / localized events to train & develop others - including location-specific safety training, localized Speak Up events, regular recognition or team-building activities
• Exemplify KCS Vision, Values, and Culture in each and every interaction with team, clients, and stakeholders

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, preferably in a job related major field of study
• Minimum five (5) years of relevant operations experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to speak clearly, read and understand operating and safety rules, exercise superior judgment, analyze problems and develop action plans containing corrective action
• Demonstrate a strong aptitude for utilizing information systems and thrive in a fast-paced, pressure-filled work environment with changing priorities
• Multi-tasking is a must
• Must be able to identify and distinguish colors displayed on a video monitor and video display in order to read track labels, switch indicator lights and other safety sensitive indications

Preferred

• Prior transportation industry experience (especially railroad), military or air traffic controller experience
• MCS (Management Control System) and TMDS (Train Management Dispatch System) experience
• GCOR/RIT Qualified
• English proficiency to facilitate promotion opportunities

Working Conditions

• Shift work is an essential function of this job. Employees must have the ability and willingness to support critically important railroad operations 24 hours per day/7 days per week, working various shifts as assigned. Schedule assignments may include after-hours, weekends and holidays.
• On-call responsibilities are an essential function of this job. Employees must have the ability and willingness to support operations of critically important systems and/or processes 24 hours per day/7 days per week. On-call assignments may include after-hours, weekends and holidays.
• This position may require minimal travel up to 10% of the time.

We Offer

• Complete health and welfare benefits package
• Competitive salary
• Incentive plan
• Vacation plan