Manager of Rail Safety Training - Fairfield, AL

Watco Transp Svc, LLC; Fairfield (AL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Watco seeks a senior Manager of Rail Safety Training in Fairfield, AL to lead the development and delivery of classroom, computer-based, simulator, and hands-on training for railroad operations.

The role focuses on Operations, safety culture, and continuous improvement, requiring strong communication, field training, and regulatory expertise. On-site position with ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities.

Qualifications

• Requires minimum 3 years operating experience as a full-time certified freight conductor.
• Must hold FRA Part 242 freight conductor certification.
• Requires minimum 3 years operating experience as a certified train service engineer (Class I railroad preferred).
• Must hold FRA Part 240 locomotive train service engineer certification.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License with no restrictions.
• Supervisory experience in operating department preferred but not required.
• Nationally recognized safety certifications preferred (ASSP, NASP, NSC).
• Ability to perform outdoor field training for prolonged periods.
• Strong analytical, written, and oral communication skills.
• Experience with PPT, Excel, Word, Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate safety leadership and empower team members within our safety culture.
• Develop, review, and revise training programs with other Safety Managers.
• Lead hands-on field training using on-site railroad equipment.
• Identify and eliminate hazardous conditions or unsafe behaviors.
• Advise location managers on training and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Conduct efficiency testing and audits for safety compliance and best practices.
• Pursue ongoing professional development through regulatory research and seminars.
• Assist in developing proactive safety measures from near misses and concerns.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Safety leadership

Communication

Field training

Problem solving

Education

FRA Part 242 freight conductor certification

FRA Part 240 locomotive train service engineer certification

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

PPT

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

Career Opportunities: Manager of Rail Safety Training - Fairfield, AL (33821)

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 andbenefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco'sSafe 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