Senior Manager, Engineering Safety & Training - Birmingham, AL

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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
• Operations training at the Safe Performance Center in Birmingham, Alabama
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Description

This supervisory-level position will be a major contributor to the development and growth of both new and experienced team members, by leading the engineering training team, both in residence at the Safe Performance Center, as well as in the field, developing, revising and implementing classroom, computer based, and hands-on training for various railroad jobs within the Engineering Department. In addition, this position will have support, monitoring and auditing responsibilities for the applicable FRA regulatory programs such as 49 CFR part 213, 214, 217, 218, and 243.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Directly supervise and lead the engineering training team, and direct training activities, schedules, and audits.
• 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.
• The Sr. Manager of Engineering safety Training will be responsible for record keeping, frequently monitoring the status of certifications, personnel qualification/certifications and training/testing documentation.
• Read and accurately interpret federal, state and local regulations, company documents, such as but not limited to safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and federal and state regulations.
• Travel 40%.
• Schedule, coordinate, and implement year-round instructor-led training courses in support of Railroads and locations throughout the system.
• Develop, review, and revise as needed training and testing programs with other Safety Managers, as well as assist with training and operational needs for new start-up operations.
• Conduct and lead efforts in correctly performing audits to determine safety compliance, proficiency in work practices, knowledge of safeguards and desire for continuous improvement.
• This position will maintain a hands-on approach to field training of rules compliance.
• Continue education and knowledge through regulatory research, self-study, seminars, conferences and meetings to ensure best practices are maintained during industry changes.
• 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.
• Assist in recognizing, developing, and implementing proactive preventative actions measures such as near misses, safety suggestions and concerns, etc.

Reporting Relationships

The Sr. Manager of Engineering Safety & Training reports directly to VP Safety. This position will work directly with all team members, supervisors and managers in providing assistance, guidance, instruction, training, inspecting, reporting and providing timely accomplishment in meeting all safety requirements thus assuring protection of team members and resources/assets.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred-Minimum of high school education or equivalent (GED).
• Must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in railroad track maintenance and/or track inspection.
• Experience leading a team of professionals, and working with high level senior leaders, both within Watco, the railroad industry, and regulators at higher levels.
• Certificates and Licenses
• The team member must possess a valid driver’s license with no restrictions, be currently qualified on RWP/RWIC requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess the following knowledge, characteristics, skills and/or abilities:
• Proficient in personnel computer software applications, including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships and teamwork with proven leadership skills.
• Must have the ability to speak in front of large groups.
• Must possess strong work ethic and lead by example in meeting schedules, appointments and timelines.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks to ensure timely completion.
• Ability to make independent judgments within scope of responsibility. Must be proficient, skilled and knowledgeable in the following areas and able to train and instruct team members:
  • 49 CFR Part 213.
  • 49 CFR Part 214.
  • General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR).
  • Roadway Worker Protection.
  • Roadway Maintenance Machines.
  • Engineering Department Safety Rules.
  • Continuous Welded Rail.
  • OSHA 10/OSHA 30 or other documented safety credentials a plus