Locomotive Supervisor

Department: Agassiz

Reports to: Superintendent of Operation Development

Job Status: Full Time

Schedule: Varies. M-F and may include holidays and/or weekends. 07:00-16:00 with additional hours as necessary.

Travel: Required as needed. Regional travel will be daily & 10-20% overnight

Summary:

The Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR) d.b.a. Northern Plains Rail Services (NPRS) and other affiliated companies Locomotive Supervisor position will oversee and lead a technician with Locomotive inspections, Mechanical Maintenance & Locomotive operating services at customers facilities in the IA, SD and Southern MN regions. The Foreman will be responsible for coordinating schedules with customers, meeting inspection dates, leading a technician while upholding safety regulations and delivering superior customer service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:

Related to Locomotive Inspection & Maintenance

• responsible for the inspection, repair, and maintenance of the electrical and mechanical components on diesel electric locomotives.
• Perform scheduled electrical inspections in compliance with Company, Industry, customer and Federal standards.
• Inspect and test circuitry with electrical testing equipment.
• Inspect wheels, trucks, cab, and internal diesel engine parts, inspect for usual smells, overheating, and small changes in the visual appearance of objects/materials.
• Troubleshoot malfunctions.
• Diagnose electrical malfunctions in locomotive or diesel engine components; assess nature of problem and determine needed corrective action; includes both high and low voltage equipment.
• Disassemble and clean electrical parts.
• Assemble components.
• Provide maintenance for miscellaneous equipment and facilities using blueprints, schematics, and location circuit plans.
• Replace locomotive and diesel engine component (wheels, traction motors, and worn or cracked engine components).
• Safely and effectively operate the following: high and low precision measuring instruments (micrometers, tape measures, dial calipers); precision machines (drill and punch presses, bench lathes); electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic tools (drills, wrenches, grinders); material handling equipment (forklifts, cranes, overhead hoists); acetylene torches and electric welders.
• Understand and follow company and industry safety rules, practices, and procedures.
• Read and comply with all train orders, signals, railroad rules, and regulations.

Related to Operating

• Knows and understands the requirements of FRA & OSHA/MSHA Rules and Regulations.
• Oral communication via train radio with Operations Manager and train crews.
• Accountable for compliance of all operating rules, policies, and guidelines.
• Perform switching, assembling, and disassembling of trains.
• Perform safe operations of the locomotive.
• Properly and safely engage/release hand brakes and operate rail yard switches.
• Inspects couplings and air hoses to ensure they are securely fastened.
• Attend rules and safety classes and ensure all rules are followed as directed by the Company, FRA, and other governing agencies.
• Inspects locomotives, and other equipment to ensure compliance with FRA and Company rules.
• Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
• Observe tracks to detect and report obstructions.
• Utilizes/understand hand signals, two-way radios, and cell phones for communication with other train crew members and dispatchers.
• Inspect locomotives before, during, and after each run to check fuel levels, supplies, and mechanical problems.

Competencies:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
• Good mechanical background will be required to become conversant with the General Code of Operating Rules, Safety Rules, AAR Rules and regulations, and FRA requirements.
• Strong Mechanical and Electrical Background.
• Experience with both AC and DC voltage systems.
• Must be willing to work flexible schedules/hours.
• High integrity, ethics, and a positive work attitude
• Problem solving, oral & written communications, organizational and interpersonal skills, perception, creativity.
• Possess analytical and calculating ability.
• Review & approve work performed. Maintain documentation.
  Physical Demands:
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform on uneven or slippery surfaces, platforms, ladders, equipment in all weather and temperature conditions. Most of the day could be spent on feet standing. Eye/hand coordination, hand/feet dexterity and grasping hand tools, materials & equipment is required. The employee is frequently required to perform manual labor & physical activities that require considerable use of the whole body, such as standing and lifting from various levels.
• Additional physical demands are listed in the chart below.
  Environmental:
• Continuous: Exposure to electrical hazards, stand on concrete, works with others, concentration, eye/hand coordination.
• Frequent: Works in cramped quarters, exposure to dust & smoke, fumes, odors, grease, oil, works in hot & cold temperatures, travel required & on-call, works inside & outside, noise, wet conditions, working with interruptions, works on feet-foot pedals, dexterity with fingering-picking, pinching, calculator, and handling, holding & grasping. Prepares reports.
• Occasional: Exposure to chemicals, vibration, walk on uneven or slippery surface, works alone, works with moving machinery, repetitive flexion/rotation wrist motion.
• Rare: Exposure to toxic materials, shift work & money handling.
  Education and Training:
• GED or higher
• 3-5 years’ experience as a Locomotive Mechanic required.
• Experience spotting or operating a locomotive, track mobile or the like is highly preferred.
• Leadership experience in the mechanical field required.
• Familiarity with Industry regulatory requirements and Safety standards is required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Interest and ability to obtain a Class A CDL preferred.
• Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPR driver provisions.

Requirements of Joining Our Team:

Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to:

1. Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment.

2. Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.

3. Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.

4. Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position.

We value transparency and the safety of our employees and customers, and these steps are essential in upholding our commitment to excellence.

LIFT 2 - Physical Demands Checklist

* Never (N) = Not at all * Rarely (R) = 1-5% * Occasionally (O) = 6-33% * Frequently (F) = 34-66% * Continuously (C) = 67-100%