Train Operations Coordinator

CVSR; Valley View (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Train Operations Coordinator at CVSR reports to the Manager of Train Operations and serves as a first-line supervisor for CVSR train crews. The role ensures safe, compliant operation through staffing, training, qualification, and field supervision, while maintaining locomotive engineer and conductor qualifications.

You will maintain records, supervise volunteers, and ensure adherence to FRA, GCOR, and CVSR rules, contributing to a strong safety culture and reliable day-to-day operations.

Qualifications

• Certified Conductor and Locomotive Engineer under 49 CFR 242 and/or 49 CFR 240.
• Experience in railroad operations.
• Experience training, evaluating, or qualifying railroad operating personnel.
• Familiarity with 49 CFR Parts 217, 218, 240, 242, and 243.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Manager of Train Operations with Head End Crew and Trainmen staffing, scheduling, training, qualification, and continuing development.
• Recruit, develop, and support qualified operating volunteers to maintain adequate staffing and strengthen CVSR's operating workforce.
• Train, evaluate, and qualify Lead Trainmen, Assistant Lead Trainmen, and Trainmen in accordance with CVSR operating rules, training requirements, and established qualification standards.
• Prepare and deliver initial, recurring, remedial, and continuing education, operational training, safety instruction, and rules class material.
• Conduct and administer operational testing, efficiency tests, observations, and check rides, including the operational testing program required by 49 CFR Part 217.
• Investigate reported or observed operating rule violations, safety incidents, and unsafe operating practices; document findings and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Recommend and, within delegated authority, administer corrective action when operating rules, safety standards, or established operating procedures are violated.
• Maintain accurate training, qualification, testing, and operational records for employees and volunteers within the position’s area of responsibility.
• Coordinate recurring operational training and qualification activities to ensure operating personnel remain current and competent.
• Promote and ensure compliance with applicable FRA regulations, the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), CVSR operating rules, timetables, special instructions, safety requirements, and operating procedures.
• Prepare Daily Call Sheets and provide them to the Dispatcher.
• Print and prepare Daily Operating Bulletins, Daily Call Sheets, General Orders, and Special Instructions for distribution to operating crews.
• Provide protection for work areas as Roadway Worker in Charge/Employee in Charge, as qualified and assigned.
• Maintain qualification as a Locomotive Engineer and Conductor and serve in either capacity when required by operational needs.
• Qualify as a Track Inspector and work alongside CVSR’s volunteer Track Inspector to strengthen the track inspection program, documentation, defect identification and follow-up, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as an accessible first-line operational resource for train crews by providing direction, coaching, clarification of operating requirements, and immediate supervisory support during railroad operations.
• Escalate significant safety, regulatory, personnel, or operational matters to the Manager of Train Operations and other appropriate CVSR leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Conductor certification

Locomotive Engineer certification

Railroad operations experience

Training/qualifying personnel

Regulatory knowledge CFR 217/218/240/9

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associate’s degree or higher preferred

Job description

DEPARTMENT: Train Operations

REPORTS TO: Manager of Train Operations

TYPE OF POSITION: Full-time

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Train Operations Coordinator of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) reports to the Manager of Train Operations and serves as a first-line operational supervisor for CVSR train crews. The position supports safe, consistent, and compliant railroad operations through crew staffing and development, training and qualification, operational testing, field supervision, incident follow-up, operating documentation, Roadway Worker protection, and track inspection activities. The Coordinator maintains qualification as a Locomotive Engineer and Conductor and works directly with employees and operating volunteers to strengthen CVSR's operating workforce and safety culture.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Manager of Train Operations with Head End Crew and Trainmen staffing, scheduling, training, qualification, and continuing development.
• Recruit, develop, and support qualified operating volunteers to maintain adequate staffing and strengthen CVSR's operating workforce.
• Train, evaluate, and qualify Lead Trainmen, Assistant Lead Trainmen, and Trainmen in accordance with CVSR operating rules, training requirements, and established qualification standards.
• Prepare and deliver initial, recurring, remedial, and continuing education, operational training, safety instruction, and rules class material.
• Conduct and administer operational testing, efficiency tests, observations, and check rides, including the operational testing program required by 49 CFR Part 217.
• Investigate reported or observed operating rule violations, safety incidents, and unsafe operating practices; document findings and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Recommend and, within delegated authority, administer corrective action when operating rules, safety standards, or established operating procedures are violated.
• Maintain accurate training, qualification, testing, and operational records for employees and volunteers within the position’s area of responsibility.
• Coordinate recurring operational training and qualification activities to ensure operating personnel remain current and competent.
• Promote and ensure compliance with applicable FRA regulations, the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), CVSR operating rules, timetables, special instructions, safety requirements, and operating procedures.
• Prepare Daily Call Sheets and provide them to the Dispatcher.
• Print and prepare Daily Operating Bulletins, Daily Call Sheets, General Orders, and Special Instructions for distribution to operating crews.
• Provide protection for work areas as Roadway Worker in Charge/Employee in Charge, as qualified and assigned.
• Maintain qualification as a Locomotive Engineer and Conductor and serve in either capacity when required by operational needs.
• Qualify as a Track Inspector and work alongside CVSR’s volunteer Track Inspector to strengthen the track inspection program, documentation, defect identification and follow-up, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as an accessible first-line operational resource for train crews by providing direction, coaching, clarification of operating requirements, and immediate supervisory support during railroad operations.
• Escalate significant safety, regulatory, personnel, or operational matters to the Manager of Train Operations and other appropriate CVSR leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Certified Conductor and Locomotive Engineer under 49 CFR 242 and/or 49 CFR 240.
• Experience in Railroad Operations.
• Experience training, evaluating, or qualifying railroad operating personnel, or demonstrated ability to perform these responsibilities.
• Familiarity with 49 CFR Parts 217, 218, 240, 242, and 243, as applicable.
• 18 years or older.
• High School diploma or G.E.D., Associate’s or higher preferred.
• Possess a valid state-issued driver’s license.
• Must be able to successfully pass operating rules and safety tests.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, etc.).
• Must be able to use hands to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
• Must be able to perform work on uneven surfaces, frequently climb ladders on/off of equipment, and work from various heights.
• Must be able to work in conditions that include loud noises and fumes, work on and around heavy and moving machinery, bend, walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time, and use required hand tools.