Rail Rate Negotiations Analyst

Job Description

ProSidian Seeks a Rail Rate Negotiations Analyst | Transportation and Logistics [DOENEOST002007] - DPLH Est.: 400 Hrs. ST | 0 Hrs. OT on a Exempt 1099 Contract: No Overtime Pay Technical Element Basis Key Personnel | Analyst 5 Labor Category - High Level Exempt 1099 Contract: No Overtime Pay Professional aligned under services related to NAICS: 541611 - DPLH Est.: 400 Hrs. ST | 0 Hrs. OT on an Exempt 1099 Contract: No Overtime Pay Technical Element Basis located CONUS:  Washington, DC, Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA Across the Atlantic Region supporting Government agency focused on nuclear energy and waste management.

Seeking Rail Rate Negotiations Analysis candidates with relevant Government And Public Services Sector Experience (functional and technical area expertise also ideal) to support professional services engagement for Government And Public Services Sector Clients such as DOENEOST.  This is a Technical Element or Contract W-2 (IRS-1099) Position, and ProSidian reserves the right to convert to a Full-Time ProSidian employed W-2 Position.

JOB OVERVIEW

Provide services and support as a Rail Rate Analysis Support (Analyst) in the Government And Public Services Industry Sector, focussing on Risk Management Solutions for clients such as U.S. Department of Energy (DOE | NE-OST) | DOE Office of Nuclear Energy Generally Located In CONUS:  Washington, DC, Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA and across the Mid Atlantic Region.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES - Rail Rate Negotiations Analysis | Transportation and Logistics [DOENEOST002007]

Provide Services and Support for Rail Rate Analysis to support DOE in negotiating rate contracts with rail carriers.  Provide Rail rate analysis concerning rail shipment rates for the transport of spent nuclear fuel and other DOE-managed wastes, including high-level radioactive waste and associated rolling stock, containers (casks), and equipment. 

Rail Rate Analysis subject matter expertise supports the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) efforts to negotiate rail shipping rates with commercial railroad carriers. DOE is engaged in ongoing efforts to establish transportation capabilities to facilitate the government’s acceptance of used nuclear fuel at one (1) or more storage facilities. In furtherance of this effort, DOE needs support negotiating with Class I railroads and smaller rail carriers regarding rail shipping rates for spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and greater than Class C (GTCC) waste and other DOE-managed wastes, including High-Level Waste (HLW) and associated rolling stock and containers (casks). 

The ProSidian Engagement Team will support the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy and Office of General Counsel by conducting rail cost modeling analyses, preparing documentation related to Surface Transportation Board (STB) proceedings, and settlement negotiations regarding rate disputes with rail carriers. Their work will focus on evaluating rail shipment rates for spent nuclear fuel (SNF), high-level waste (HLW), and other DOE-managed materials, including associated equipment and containers. ProSidian will provide technical analysis and recommendations to aid the U.S. Government in reaching settlement agreements with Class I and smaller rail carriers, while addressing rate methodologies, service requirements, rate updates, and maximum revenue-to-variable cost ratios.

Additionally, ProSidian will assist with STB proceedings by presenting oral and written testimony and incorporating special circumstances into cost models. However, ProSidian will not lead or negotiate contracts for near-term rail services; the U.S. Government will manage this. The settlements will apply to current and future transportation activities for various origin-destination pairs, and ProSidian's consultants and experts will provide essential technical expertise throughout the process. 

Rail Rate Analysis typically falls under the Transportation and Logistics functional area, often intersecting with Supply Chain Management, Regulatory Compliance, and Economic Analysis. It involves analyzing rail freight costs, negotiating rates, and understanding the economic and regulatory frameworks governing rail transportation, particularly for industries requiring the shipment of bulk goods, hazardous materials, or other specialized freight. This area may also involve Contract Management and Rate Negotiation expertise for transportation services. 

The Rail Rate Negotiations Analyst will support the ProSidian Engagement Team in assisting the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in the negotiation of rail shipping rates for the transport of radioactive materials, including spent nuclear fuel (SNF), high-level waste (HLW), and related equipment. The Analyst will work alongside the Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide detailed research, analysis, and modeling of rail shipping costs, contributing to favorable rate agreements for current and future government transportation activities.   

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct detailed analysis of rail rate structures, cost models, and pricing methodologies used by rail carriers.
• Research rail industry economics and trends to provide insights into rate negotiations for DOE and DoD shipments.
• Assist in developing and maintaining rail rate models, ensuring accuracy in cost projections and rate calculations.
• Compile and analyze data related to rail traffic, service requirements, and cost components, including fuel surcharges and other variable costs.
• Collaborate with the SME and the ProSidian Engagement Team to provide data-driven recommendations for rate negotiations and settlement agreements.
• Assist in the preparation of reports, presentations, and documentation to support negotiations, regulatory filings, and proceedings before the Surface Transportation Board (STB).
• Monitor rail carrier compliance with agreed rates and service conditions, identifying potential discrepancies or areas for further negotiation.
• Support the development of oral and written testimony for STB hearings or other regulatory processes as needed.
• Track and document all deliverables related to rate analysis and negotiations, ensuring high quality and timely submission of work products.

Qualifications

Desired Qualifications For Rail Rate Negotiations Analysis | Transportation and Logistics [DOENEOST002007] (DOENEOST002007) Candidates:

SKILLS

• Strong proficiency in data analysis, with experience using tools such as Excel, database systems, and modeling software.
• Knowledge of Surface Transportation Board (STB) costing methodologies and railroad economics is an advantage.
• Ability to analyze complex data sets and provide actionable insights for decision-making in rate negotiations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and concise reports and presentations.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

OTHER ATTRIBUTES

• Knowledge of the regulatory framework governing rail carrier pricing, including Surface Transportation Board (STB) regulations, is preferred.
• Familiarity with government contracting and the shipment of radioactive materials is a plus.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to dissect complex rate models and economic principles.
• Strong organizational skills to manage large data sets and deliverables across multiple projects.
• Collaborative team player, capable of working with technical experts, government clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Proactive problem-solver with a focus on achieving favorable outcomes in rate negotiations.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., economics, logistics, transportation, business, or engineering). Equivalent work experience in rail rate analysis or transportation economics will be considered.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• At least 2-3 years of experience in transportation analysis, logistics, or rail operations.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting rail carrier rate structures, cost models, and service agreements.
• Experience working with federal agencies or private sector organizations on transportation logistics or rate negotiation projects is preferred.

LOCATION:  United States (with potential for remote work or travel as required).

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

• This Work requires no security considerations; however, a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)/ Conflict of Interest (COI) form will be required upon award.

ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY, AND HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

• This Work consists of modeling and analyzing rail carrier rates for shipment of spent nuclear fuel, high-level radioactive waste, and associated rail cars and shipping equipment, and will only include settlement agreement negotiations and meetings. Because of this, there are no Environmental, Safety and Health Considerations.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Excellent oral and written communication skills (This employer participates in the e-Verify program).  Proficient with Microsoft Office Products (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, & Adobe)

- Ancillary Details Of The Roles:  Employees are subject to regulatory and mandatory training requirements. These requirements will change for individuals based on their job duties or position assignment.

- Standard Skills Required: Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools. | Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills for effective team management. | Outstanding time management and prioritization abilities to meet project milestones. | Adaptability to changing project requirements and priorities | Ability to multi-task and pay close attention to detail. | Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills | Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

- EEO Statement: We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow.  We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment.  We provide career opportunities spanning various disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build, and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients.

- Ful Time Regular VISA Sponsorship: No - We will not support sponsorship, i.e., H-1B or TN Visas for this position.  U.S.  Citizenship Required - You must be a United States Citizen

- Background Check And Drug testing: ProSidian reserves the right to require background checks, including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions.  In addition, ProSidian may conduct drug testing for designated positions.

Other Details

• Work products shall be thorough, accurate, appropriately documented, and comply with established criteria. All employees, in the performance of their respective responsibilities, shall conduct themselves in the highest possible standards of ethical and business conduct.  The candidate shall ensure that duties are performed in a competent and professional manner that meets milestones/delivery schedules as outlined.

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Additional Information

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Teamwork – ability to foster teamwork collaboratively as a participant, and effectively as a team leader
• Leadership – ability to guide and lead colleagues on projects and initiatives
• Business Acumen – understanding and insight into how organizations perform, including business processes, data, systems, and people
• Communication – ability to effectively communicate to stakeholders of all levels orally and in writing
• Motivation – persistent in pursuit of quality and optimal client and company solutions
• Agility – ability to quickly understand and transition between different projects, concepts, initiatives, or work streams
• Judgment – exercises prudence and insight in decision-making process while mindful of other stakeholders and long-term ramifications
• Organization – ability to manage projects and activity, and prioritize tasks

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OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Business Tools – understanding and proficiency with business tools and technology, including Microsoft Office. The ideal candidate is advanced with Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word, and proficient with Adobe Acrobat, data analytic tools, and Visio with the ability to quickly learn other tools as necessary.
• Business Tools – understanding and proficiency with business tools and technology, including Microsoft Office. The ideal candidate is advanced with Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word, and proficient with Adobe Acrobat, data analytic tools, and Visio with the ability to quickly learn other tools as necessary.
• Commitment - to work with smart, interesting people with diverse backgrounds to solve the biggest challenges across private, public, and social sectors
• Curiosity – the ideal candidate exhibits an inquisitive nature and the ability to question the status quo among a community of people they enjoy and teams that work well together
• Humility – exhibits grace in success and failure while doing meaningful work where skills have an impact and make a difference
• Willingness - to constantly learn, share, and grow and to view the world as their classroom

Risk Management | Compliance | Business Processes | IT Effectiveness | Engineering | Environmental | Sustainability | Human Capital