Career Center

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Supervisor, Dispatching Operations will provide oversight of dispatching SCRRA trains, as well as dispatching Amtrak's intercity trains, and BNSF and UP freight trains on SCRRA territories.

The Dispatching Operations Department is covered under the United States Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).  The RRB is an independent agency in the executive branch of the federal government.  All Train Dispatchers and Supervisor, Dispatching Operations are covered under the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act.  SCRRA Supervisor, Dispatching Operations, in addition to having responsibility for the oversight of dispatching Metrolink trains, are responsible for oversight of dispatch for Amtrak’s intercity trains, and BNSF and UP freight trains on SCRRA territories.  The majority of SCRRA network is Central Traffic Control (CTC) with Positive Train Control (PTC) and some track warrant (TWC) territory.

This is a classified position represented by Amalgamated Transit Union per the Collective Bargaining Agreement dated February 8, 2019 – December 31, 2022.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This job description is not part of a job series

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

• Receives general oversight from departmental management.
• This position is responsible for managing and monitoring work performance for a group of employees within a division or department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

• Supervise, assist and provide guidance to Train Dispatchers in the performance of their dispatching duties on assigned territory.
• Ensure that all rules, regulations and instructions are complied with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and division policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with the System Safety Division and appropriate law enforcement agencies regarding any Hazardous Material or biohazard situations, emergency notifications and service recovery plans.
• Maintain and disseminate all necessary daily reports with regard to equipment, trains, crew on time performance, incidents and service interruptions.
• Prepare and issue required General Orders, dispatching notices, bulletins or supplemental documents.
• Collaborate with contractors and freight railroads to facilitate safety and on time movement of all trains and necessary maintenance.
• Coordinate and maintain train dispatcher territory-qualification records to assure maximum manpower utilization to efficiently cover all dispatcher areas.
• Analyze efficiency test records and data to assess training needs of train dispatchers.
• Monitor operating rules compliance and perform efficiency testing on a continual basis on train dispatchers and complete proper documentation.
• Coach and counsel train dispatchers in the use of all systems and update skills as enhancements are developed including the dispatch system and Positive Train Control.
• Perform a variety of administrative tasks related to Hours of Service requirements, hazardous materials, rule violations and other reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Internal Candidates

• High school diploma or equivalent GED.
• Metrolink experience as a Train Dispatcher, both passenger and freight service, including computer aided dispatch systems.
• Must follow all provisions of 49 CFR 219 Control of Alcohol and Drug use at all times.
• Valid Class "C" California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than 3 moving violations and no DUI's within the last 3 years.

External Candidates

• High school diploma or equivalent GED.
• Five (5) years of work experience with computer aided dispatch systems or radio control devices with two years of experience in a supervisory role.
• Must follow all provisions of 49 CFR 219 Control of Alcohol and Drug use at all times.
• A combination of training, education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications.  Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience.
• Valid Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record of no more than three moving violations and no DUI's within the last three years.

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Qualified on the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR).
• Six (6) months experience reading and working with railroad timetables and special instructions.
• Qualified on Train Dispatchers Manual (TDM).
• Knowledge of the physical characteristics of railroad

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of GCOR or other Railroad operating rules and instructions. Instructions.
• Federal and State Regulations pertaining to train Dispatch and Operations
• The physical characteristics of the railroad as applied to the safe and the efficient movement of trains.
• Operations and administrative structure of the railroad.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision.

Skilled in:

• Use of Microsoft Office
• Excellent organization, oral and written communication, and time management skills

Ability to:

• Navigate, understand, and create railroad timetables, bulletins, track charts, general orders, and other standard railroad documents.
• Use, issue, and interpret track bulletins, train dispatcher bulletins, special instructions and other forms of operational updates.
• Use appropriate radio and telephone communication protocols.
• Describe the characteristics of rolling stock including power ratings, types of locomotives and types, capacities, usage and tonnage of railroad cars.
• Function calmly, exercise sound judgment and utilize procedures during rapidly changing situations and emergencies in a fast-paced work environment.
• Stay alert over an extended period of time and respond well under pressure.
• Carry out assignments independent of immediate supervision.
• Work weekends and extended hours, including holidays.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations
• Operate tools to perform the duties of the position; such as computers, office equipment and work-related machinery
• Transport equipment or boxes up to 25lbs
• Exchange ideas by means of communication
• Visual acuity to detect, identify and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks 
• Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks
• Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Based on job duties, work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, railroad track and right-of-way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as trains, heavy trucks, construction, etc.).                                                                             

Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.