Superintendent of Railroad Operations

  • City of Grapevine
  • Grapevine, Texas
  • Full Time

Serves as supervisor of the Engineers and Conductors of the Grapevine Vintage Railroad (GVRR). Manages day to day operations, scheduling and training of GVRR engineers, conductors and brakeman, and provides for all necessary FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) reporting. Maintains quality control of equipment, crew, scheduling, reporting and reviews and evaluates the performance of GVRR employees. Maintains all necessary ridership reporting. Assists the Train Supervisor with scheduling of excursion operations, and charter and special trains. Coordinates with Train Supervisor and Theater and Events Manager for the onboard experiences. In conjunction with Roundhouse Mechanic Supervisor, assists with hiring and scheduling of mechanical personnel and Roundhouse administration.

1. Hires, directs, instructs, schedules, reviews and evaluates the performance of Engineers and Conductors.

2. Manages the day-to-day operation of locomotive engineers and conductors. Services and works with mechanics to perform major and minor repairs when necessary.

3. Maintains necessary data and prepares all reports including safety, maintenance and operational for FRA and maintains an organized recording and filing system.

4. Holds license to operate Diesel locomotive and perform Conductor duties as scheduled.

5. Maintains FRA required qualifications and certification requirements as service covered employee as expressed in GVRR Engineer and Steam programs.

6. Oversees check rides and provide hands-on training for new and volunteer staff, as needed.

7. Maintains necessary operational data for budgeting, planning and reporting.

8. Works with supervisor in overall planning and performs other duties as assigned.

9. Develops weekly staff schedule. Maintains records of staff availability including day off requests and vacations.

10. Meets weekly with GVRR President/CVB Executive Director.

11. Assures timely, cost-effective repair for all locomotives and heavy equipment in conjunction with Roundhouse Mechanic Supervisor; develops preventive maintenance programs and quality control standards; develops efficient shop and field repairs.

12. Must be familiar with Positive Train Control (PTC) and able to incorporate upgrades and maintain current requirements.

13. In conjunction with Roundhouse Mechanic Supervisor, maintains train operating and maintenance data to ensure preventative maintenance schedule is followed.

14. In conjunction with Roundhouse Mechanic Supervisor maintains all Roundhouse and Rail Yard inventories and maintains fuel and oil logs and strives to secure most cost effective purchasing procedures.

15. In conjunction with Roundhouse Mechanic Supervisor, assures the availability of parts, supplies and fuels through the implementation of cost effective inventory control programs.

16. Promotes and maintains good public relations and customer service.

17. Regular and timely attendance are required for this position. Schedules may require working evenings, weekends and holidays.

18. Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers and others in the course of daily work.

19. Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Must be familiar with all FRA regulations as pertains to safe operation and repair of railroad locomotives and equipment.

Requires knowledge of the principles and practice of locomotive service and maintenance activities.

Requires the necessary skills to communicate orally and in writing.

Requires ability to organize data, analyze statistical information and prepare reports.

Must have ability to supervise the work activities of subordinates. Must be able to enforce policies, procedures and safety regulations.

Knowledge of Federal, State and local environmental laws and regulations applicable to locomotive and equipment standards; knowledge of the safety standards for passenger trains and related equipment; knowledge of Federal railroad inspection standards; knowledge of the methods and procedures used in servicing and repairing steam, gasoline and diesel equipment; knowledge of vehicle and equipment mechanics, including internal combustion engines and hydraulic and electrical systems.

Skill in operating a variety of equipment used in railroads, maintenance and repair functions and operations; skill in operating a two-way radio; skill in the use of a variety of hand and power tools used in the repair and servicing of mechanical equipment.

Ability to identify abnormal readings or trends in data collected from gauges, meters, dials, instruments, etc., according to established formats.

Ability to follow oral and written directions.

Ability to diagnose defective operations and excessive wear on mechanical equipment parts and components.

Ability to diagnose complex repair needs of railroad equipment.

Ability to determine functional interrelationship of parts within a mechanical system.

Ability to interpret technical reference manuals.

Knowledge of computer programs including Microsoft Office a plus.

Ability to maintain accurate records and statistics.

Ability to organize and supervise employees, customer groups and special event transportation.

Outgoing guest service oriented and individual desired.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Position requires a High School Diploma or GED.

Completion of a technical trade school program in locomotive or automotive mechanics is required plus five years of experience in the repair and service of locomotives or automobiles or trucks or heavy equipment with three years in the repair and service of trains on either excursion, short line or Class 1 railroads or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Requires three years of experience in a supervisory role.

Must pass with a score of not less than 85, the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) rules test after every 36 months of service.

Must obtain Diesel Locomotive Engineer certification within six months of hire maintain during employment.

Must pass a Federal/National criminal background check and credit check. Must have a valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy.

Must pass a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration drivers license check.

Must pass a pre-employment basic physical, FRA 5 panel drug screen, and functional assessment screening (Level 1). Must pass a pre-employment Department of Transportation Railroad (FRA) vision (Ishihara and Titmus) screening and audio screening.

Will be subject to periodic random drug and alcohol testing. Will be subject to Department of Transportation Railroad (FRA) vision and audio screenings every three years as required by law.

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the essential functions of this position, there will be routine and frequent exposure to:

Bright/dim light

Dusts and pollen

Extreme heat and/or cold

Wet or humid conditions

Extreme noise levels

Vibration

Fumes and/or noxious odors

Traffic

Moving machinery

Electrical shock

Heights

Toxic/caustic chemicals

Other extreme hazards not listed above

Safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, hard hats, safety vests, steel-toe boots, back support belts, and seat belts are provided and must be worn as required by department procedures and good safety practices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job entails moderate physical labor, which requires strength and agility. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift, shovel, and carry 50 pounds and exert up to 100 pounds of force. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the job requirements change.

Job ID: 484412832
Originally Posted on: 7/8/2025

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