Manager, Track Maintenance

Carload Express, Inc. operates four short line railroads:  Allegheny Valley Railroad and Southwest Pennsylvania Railroad serving western Pennsylvania, Ohio Terminal Railway serving eastern Ohio and Delmarva Central Railroad (DCR) serving Maryland/Delaware/and Virginia.  Our management team strives to offer precise and responsive rail service to over 90 customers shipping over 90000 carloads on our 344-route-mile rail network.  Our multiple connections to the North American rail system allow our customers to enjoy cost competitive rail freight routing options.  

The successful incumbent for this position will serve as the railroad track and roadway maintenance leader for Delmarva Central Railroad.  The MTM is responsible for planning all track and roadway maintenance operations for DCR including working with the management team to define priorities and budgets, establishing and evaluating performance expectations, metrics and measurements, and implementing industry best practices.

The MTM reports to the Director of Track Maintenance (DTM) and directly supervises track foremen, track inspectors and contractors in the maintenance of way department.  Responsible for oversight of conditions, maintenance and repair of track, roadway, crossing surfaces, drainage facilities, signage and vegetation control.  MTM carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable regulations and laws. Responsibilities include participation in interviewing and hiring, training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Support the safety program and lead the safety goals for all maintenance of way personnel
• Develop work plans and maintenance to support operating efficiency and customer service
• Work with the DTM and Transportation Officers to prioritize programs and budgets
• Ensure engineering instructions for inspection, maintenance, and construction are followed
• Prior field experience required as well as the desire to be hands on in the field as needed. 
• Promote training programs and identify appropriate type and level of training required
• Develop an understanding and knowledge of the traffic on and service needs of the network
• Execute engineering plans that meet the specifications and achieve the capital project plans
• Ensure cooperation, communications, and interactions with all functions in the organization
• Monitor bridge deck conditions and report to DTM
• Respond to emergency situations involving track or bridge decks
• Assist DTM with updating and enforcing Engineering Department Standards
• Establish and maintain work management processes that are visible to the organization
• Articulate a focused, clear vision for strategic priorities and elevate those of highest priority
• Coordinate and plan ordinary track work and program maintenance with train operations
• Perform track inspections and monitor and train track inspectors to ensure quality and safety
• Follow and monitor work practices to improve safety, quality and performance
• Monitor and enforce FRA compliance along with company policies, rules and regulations
• Work with local, county and state agencies on railroad issues to promote good relations
• Collect, provide and review information for future track programs with DTM
• Oversee contractors performing maintenance or capital program work in the territory
• Manage labor, tools, materials and equipment for field forces performing maintenance
• Lead, direct and manage the day-to-day activities of the maintenance of way department
• Responsible for filling vacancies by ensuring sufficient qualified personnel to cover vacancies
• Responsible for enforcing compliance with safety rules, procedures and practices
• Responsible for enforcing use of personal protective gear
• Responsible for keeping required FRA, PAPUC and company maintenance of way records
• Monitor and closely control all maintenance of way costs
• Manage maintenance of way budget and review budget periodically with DTM
• Monitor daily bulletins and implement corrective action plans to remove slow orders
• Monitor projects to ensure materials, labor and equipment provided meet schedule and budget
• Travel and overnight stays may be required

• Associate's Degree; 7 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Preferred:  Associate's Degree in Engineering
• Bachelors of Science in Engineering a plus
• 10 years maintenance of way supervisory work experience with a reputable railroad
• Prior supervisory training and experience in the maintenance of way department
• Possesses a broad understanding of track and roadway maintenance and best practices
• Knows and understands FRA and AREMA track safety and maintenance standards
• Experienced in maintaining and enforcing FRA and AREMA track safety standards
• Able to apply FRA track safety standards in the field and document items of non-compliance
• Familiar with, experienced in and capable of applying safety rules, procedures and practices
• Able to read and understand engineering drawings, right of way maps and construction plans
• Knowledge of contracts and contract management
• Able to assign priorities, define expectations, and achieve performance in accordance with plan
• Able to communicate effectively in clear, concise, courteous and professional manner
• Demonstrated ability to self-motivate, prioritize, promote safe work habits and meet budget
• Able to read and comprehend published rules, procedures, manuals, regulations and instruction
• Able to articulate and drive a focused, clear vision for strategic maintenance priorities
• Must have excellent communication skills both verbally and in written form
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, excel, Windows XP and computer software

Carload Express is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce.