TOFC Equipment Operator Trainee (Alaska Railroad)

Holland America-Princess (Holland America Dawson City Inn); Fairbanks (AK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Alaska Railroad is seeking a TOFC Equipment Operator Trainee to safely operate forklifts, van packers, car movers, and related equipment in rail yard operations in Alaska.

The role requires knowledge of lifting devices, adherence to safety rules, and physical ability to handle up to 80 pounds. Training will be provided; a Class A CDL is required upon hire.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must have valid Class A commercial driver’s license.
• Experience operating forklifts, cranes, van packers, or similar equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts from 3- to 25-tons, van packers, and other equipment.
• Select proper lifting devices (spreader bars, slings, bridles, shackles).
• Direct operators using signals during loading/unloading of trailers and railcars.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks and complete records for equipment.

Skills

Forklift operation

Crane operation

Safety awareness

Vehicle maintenance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Class A CDL

Job description

Job Description

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Safely operate forklifts, tractor-trailers, Van loaders, rail yard equipment, and other cargo-handling equipment while loading and unloading freight to and from railcars and delivery vehicles.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operates forklifts from 3-to to 25-tons, van packers and other comparable equipment. Selects proper lifting devices, such as spreader bars, slings, bridles, and shackles. Spots, aligns, and directs operators by proper hand or voice signals during the loading and unloading of trailers and containers. Assists with the loading, lashing, protection, securing and unloading of cargo, ensuring that load is properly distributed and that tractor-trailer is not loaded beyond rated capacity.

Operates a car mover and shaker to dump coal in Fairbanks.

Performs routine operator maintenance activities such as fueling, checking oil, lights and water on equipment or vehicle operated. Cleans interior and exterior of equipment or vehicles; ensures fire extinguisher and other safety appliances are intact and operable on assigned tractor trailer/truck or equipment.

Completes preventive maintenance and operational records on assigned tractor-trailer or other equipment and driver’s accident reports in the event of an accident.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Factor 1 – Knowledge

Skill and knowledge of operating forklifts from 3-ton to 25-tons, van packers, car loaders, car movers, tractor trailer, yard tractor, and other comparable equipment. Skill and knowledge in selecting proper lifting devices such as spreader bars, slings, bridles, and shackles. Skill and knowledge in mechanical, hydraulic and air system functions and operation of clutches, brakes, levers, accelerator, pedals, wheels, and air control valve. Requires knowledge and ability to determine the weight of lifts; if weight unknown, skill and ability to estimate based on general knowledge of weights of various materials. Must possess the ability to read and write, communicate, and interpret written instructions. Knowledge of operator maintenance such as fueling, checking oil, lights and water on equipment or vehicle operated. Must show good judgment in decision-making and be able to improvise as required by the circumstances. Requires skill and knowledge of tying down freight to railcars or trailers. Skill and knowledge of various fifth wheel locking devices equipped on various railcars. Practical knowledge of the principles underlying the work and work practices of the TOFC Office and/or similar freight operations. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Factor 2 – Responsibilities

Safely operates van packer, forklifts, tractor-trailers, and other equipment. Safely transports crews to and from job sites. Completes work in a timely and accurate manner. Makes judgments and decisions on routine assignments and is responsible for seeking proper authority for judgments and decisions on complicated matters. Responsible for personal safety. Works in accordance with practices and procedures prescribed in the Alaska Railroad Manual of Safety Rules and Regulations for General Guidance and Protection of Railroad Personnel and Corporate, State, Federal and Municipal regulations or policies.

Factor 3 – Physical Effort

Lifts and carry materials which may weigh up to 80 pounds. Requires walking, climbing, crawling, bending, standing and sitting for extended lengths of time. May be required to work in tiring or uncomfortable positions or at a rapid pace for long periods of time. Requires physical stamina, mental alertness, and coordination to complete assignments.

Factor 4 – Work Conditions

Heating and ventilation, in most areas, is generally good. Lighting generally is good; however, at times it may be somewhat less than ideal. Work is done both indoors and outdoors; while outdoors, there could be all types of climatic conditions. Exposed to dust, dirt, and fumes. Soiling of clothing and skin surfaces is normal. Frequently exposed to possibility of cuts, scrapes, bruises, and injury from falling objects. Works on concrete, earth, metal and wood surfaces, in crowded areas near moving machinery and equipment. At times, these surfaces may be uneven, slippery, icy, muddy, and/or greasy. Constantly exposed to hazardous or potentially unsafe working environment. Incumbent must demonstrate a high degree of alertness because of the extremely dangerous properties of the equipment he/she is working around and the restricted areas he/she works in. Utilization of personal protective equipment is mandatory.

Minimum Qualifications

For TOFC Equipment Operator Trainee:

High school diploma or GED required. Experience operating cranes, forklifts, van packers, or other comparable equipment, driving tractor-trailers, or working in a TOFC office or similar freight operation is preferred but not required. Training will be provided. Must be physically capable of lifting and carrying weights up to 80 pounds. Must be physically capable of walking, crawling, bending, standing, and sitting for extended periods of time. Must have a valid driver's license. To be considered a valid driver's license, an employee must maintain a continuous three-year period free of any Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Operating Under the Influence (OUI) convictions. Must be capable of obtaining a valid Class A commercial driver’s license within six (6) months of hire.

For TOFC Equipment Operator:

High school diploma or GED required. Must have two years of experience in operating forklifts, van packers or other comparable equipment, and/or driving tractor-trailers. Experience in a TOFC Office or other similar freight operation is preferred. Must be physically capable of lifting and carrying weights up to 80 pounds. Must be physically capable of walking, crawling, bending, standing, and sitting for extended periods of time. Must have a valid Class A commercial driver’s license.

Additional Required Information

NOTE:

This is a flex position with a grade range of 8/10. Entry level incumbents will be paid ARW08 wages until they demonstrate that they can perform the full range of duties as outlined in the position description. Determination of incumbent's ability to perform the full range of duties will be made by the supervisor and full performance must be reached within 6 months of hire into the position.