Manager of Rail Safety Training - Fairfield, AL

Watco; Fairfield (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid training

Career development programs

Job summary

Watco is recruiting for a senior training-focused role to develop and deliver classroom, computer-based, simulator, and hands-on training for railroad positions, with a primary focus on Operations.

The role involves leading safety initiatives, revising training programs, and conducting hands-on field instruction with on-site equipment, while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and company policies.

Qualifications

• Must have a minimum of 3 years operating experience as a freight conductor
• Must hold an FRA Part 242 freight conductor certification
• Minimum of 3 years operating experience as a certified train service engineer (Class I Railroad preferred)
• Must hold an FRA Part 240 locomotive train service engineer certification
• Must possess a valid Driver's License with no restrictions
• Supervisory experience in operating department as a DSLE/RFE or equivalent is preferred
• Nationally recognized safety certifications preferred (ASSP, NASP, NSC)
• Ability to perform outdoor field training for prolonged periods as instructor

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate safety leadership to empower team members within our Safety Culture
• Develop, review, and revise training and testing programs
• Lead hands-on field training using on-site railroad equipment and tools
• Identify and eliminate hazardous conditions or unsafe behaviors
• Advise location managers on training and documentation requirements
• Conduct efficiency testing and audits for safety compliance and best practices
• Pursue ongoing professional development to keep up with industry changes
• Assist in recognizing and implementing proactive safety measures
• Perform other duties as required

Skills

Safety leadership

Communication

Training delivery

Operational training

Analytical skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco.

Here’s What You Can Expect From Watco

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek


• Competitive compensation and benefits


• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers


• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center


• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University


• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

This senior-level position will be a major contributor to the development and growth of both new and experienced team members, by developing, revising, and delivering classroom, computer based, simulator, and hands-on training for various railroad positions and crafts, with a primary focus on Operations.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Demonstrate by example as a safety manager with genuine care and passion, to empower all fellow team members to be an integral and valuable part of our Safety Culture


• Develop, review, and revise training and testing programs with other Safety Managers as needed, as well as assist with training and operational needs for new start-up operations


• Lead and demonstrate hands‑on field training using on‑site railroad equipment and tools


• Identify and eliminate hazardous conditions or unsafe behaviors of all associated tasks and jobs


• Communicate, support, and advise location managers of training and documentation requirements for team members to comply with Company policies, and local, state, and federal regulatory agencies


• Conduct and lead efforts in correctly performing individual efficiency testing and audits to determine safety compliance, proficiency in work practices, knowledge of safeguards and desire for continuous improvement


• Continue education and knowledge through continued professional development through regulatory research, self-study, seminars, conferences, and meetings to ensure best practices are maintained during industry changes


• Assist in recognizing, developing, and implementing proactive preventative measures such as near misses, safety suggestions and concerns, etc.


• Performs other duties as required

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of operating experience as a full-time certified freight conductor


• Must currently hold an FRA Part 242 freight conductor certification


• Minimum of 3 years of operating experience as a certified train service engineer (Class I Railroad preferred)


• Must currently hold an FRA Part 240 locomotive train service engineer certification


• Must possess a valid Driver's License with no restrictions


• Supervisory experience in operating department as a Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineer (DSLE), Road Foreman of Engines (RFE) or equivalent is preferred but not required


• Nationally recognized safety certifications preferred (ASSP, NASP, NSC type certifications in safety, training methodology, Safety Management System development, etc.)


• Must have the ability to perform outdoor field training for prolonged periods, as both ground-level conductor/switchman instructor and in‑cab instructor engineer


• Must possess strong analytical, written, and oral communication skills


• Experience working with basic office computer programs (PPT, Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)


• Must possess strong work ethic and lead by example in meeting schedules, appointments, and timelines


• Must be proficient, skilled and knowledgeable in: Railroad Safety Rules, Railroad Operating Rules (General Code of Operating Rules preferred), Special Instructions and Timetables, Air Brake and Train Handling Rules, and Train Handling Techniques, Railcar Inspections and Air Brake Tests, Railroad Main Track Operating Methods (Block Signal Systems, Track Warrants, etc.), Basic Locomotive Mechanical Knowledge and Online Troubleshooting

Education

Must be 18 years of age or older with High School or GED equivalent