Dispatcher - Rail

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR 

The Dispatcher, Rail reports directly to the Supervisor, Rail Dispatch and is responsible for the safe, accurate, and compliant real-time dispatching of trains on the CapMetro Railroad system, including passenger, freight, and excursion service. This role executes the operating rules, timetables, and special instructions established by the Chief Dispatcher, under the daily shift leadership of the Supervisor, Rail Dispatch. The Dispatcher issues track warrants, permits, and movement authorities; monitors train movement and conditions affecting movement; and coordinates the response to unplanned events and emergency situations to minimize passenger inconvenience and limit delays. This is an individual-contributor, safety-sensitive position: the Dispatcher exercises real-time operational authority over train movement in accordance with operating rules but does not hold formal supervisory (HR) authority over train crews, Maintenance of Way, or signal employees — that authority resides with the Supervisor, Rail Dispatch and field leadership. 

WHAT YOU BRING 

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Three (3) years' experience as a railroad engineer or in a closely related railroad operations role.
• Previous train dispatching experience preferred
• Must be able to pass all required tests prior to completing the training period.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Subject to pre-employment background check and motor vehicle report review.
• Maintain a valid driver's license and endorsements as required for the position.
• Pass pre-employment DOT physical, medical evaluation, and drug screen due to the safety-sensitive nature of this position.
• Must successfully pass color/vision examinations as required by the position.
• Successfully complete and maintain required safety certification and testing on an annual basis.
   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly and accurately, including issuing oral instructions, using a variety of communication devices.
• Ability to type 35 words per minute and accurately input data into computer systems.
• Ability to make quick and accurate decisions in a high-pressure, safety-sensitive environment.
• Knowledge of applicable operating rules, procedures, and industry practices (signals, dispatching, track, bridges) relating to the conduct of rail passenger and freight operations.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to communicate effectively and sensitively with all levels of supervisory and non-supervisory employees and a politically, economically, and culturally diverse workforce.
• Ability to hold self-accountable, focus on results, make sound real-time decisions under pressure, and accurately analyze fast-changing operational information.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with train crews, field employees, Supervisors, and contractors, and to handle daily operational challenges and adjust to changing conditions.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, organizational skills, and situational awareness in a real-time, safety-sensitive dispatching environment.
• Skilled in dispatching rail passenger and freight service in the context of a multi-modal transit operation.
• Experience with word processing, spreadsheet, and dispatching or scheduling software packages.
   

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is generally performed in an Operations Control Center (OCC)/dispatching environment in which there is only minimal exposure to unpleasant and/or hazardous working conditions, but which requires sustained attention, time-critical decision-making, and safety-sensitive judgment on a continuous basis. This position works with multiple operational priorities and requires the ability to effectively manage rapidly changing conditions and information in a dynamic operating environment.  

The incumbent must have the ability to sit and stand frequently throughout an eight-hour period, reach vertically for overhead use as well as horizontally, and effectively use telephone, radio, headset, and computer equipment. Incumbents must be able to lift and move materials weighing up to 20 lbs., perform work at a computer terminal for six to eight hours per day, and function in an environment with constant interruptions. The position may be subject to overtime, requires the ability to work on-call, alternating shift schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and other hours as operationally required. Regular and predictable attendance, punctuality, and presence at the assigned work location are essential functions of this position.  

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions as previously described.

WORK AUTHORIZATION  

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.  

Mobility Status:  

As an Onsite position, the incumbent’s primary workplace is a CapMetro facility or field location. Expected to work in the office or field location 4+ days a week. Mobility status is subject to change at any time based on business needs or organizational decisions.  

COMMITMENT TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY    

CapMetro is an equal employment opportunity employer and committed to creating a welcoming environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, age, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. CapMetro makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and organization needs at the time.  

SECURITY SENSITIVE POSITION

This position has been identified as a “Security Sensitive” position. CapMetro will conduct annual background checks on incumbents in this position. A position is “Security Sensitive” if the incumbent handles currency, has access to sensitive computerized databases, has access to master keys, or works in an area of the CapMetro that has been designated as a security-sensitive area.  

SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION  

This position is identified as an FTA safety-sensitive position. An employee in this position is required to participate in the Employer’s testing program for prohibited substances. Participation in this program is a condition of employment with CapMetro. A safety-sensitive employee is randomly tested for prohibited drug use or alcohol misuse while the employee is performing safety-sensitive functions; just before the employee is to perform safety sensitive functions; or just after the employee has ceased performing such functions.  

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING 

Note: The duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.  

Safety Compliance & Operational Oversight

• Ensure compliance with federal and CapMetro safety rules, policies, and procedures; respond to safety concerns and take appropriate action within established authority, escalating to the Supervisor, Rail Dispatch as needed.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of territory and physical characteristics, train schedules (arrivals/departures), and destinations.

Movement Authority & Train Control

• Issue and ensure the accuracy and timeliness of track bulletins, track warrants, permits, movement authorities, and communications to all employees operating on or near the railroad.
• Monitor train movement and conditions affecting movement, such as weather, train crew availability, and equipment availability; coordinate responses to unplanned events and emergency situations to minimize passenger inconvenience and limit delays to affected trains.
• Direct the real-time movement of trains and issue operational instructions to train crews, Maintenance of Way, and signal employees working on or near the railroad tracks in accordance with operating rules and dispatching authority; this operational direction is distinct from, and does not include, formal supervisory responsibility for those employees.
   

Operational Administration & Recordkeeping

• Perform administrative duties relative to hours-of-service requirements, hazardous materials, documentation of train movements and delays incurred, updating Digital Message Signs (DMS), and reporting rule violations.
• Promptly and accurately document dispatching activity, authorities issued, incidents, and delays in accordance with internal procedures and applicable FRA recordkeeping requirements.
   

Communication & Escalation

• Notify the Supervisor, Rail Dispatch promptly of service disruptions, rule deviations, safety concerns, or conditions requiring supervisory attention or escalation.
   

CapMetro SMS Support & Other Duties Assigned

• Support Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Safety Management Systems (SMS) process by ensuring staff follows safety and security policies, considers safety in every action, and ensures safety and security concerns are reported.  
• Perform other rail-related duties as assigned.