Colorado Railroad Museum
Job Description: Railroad Operations Manager

The Colorado Railroad Museum has an opening for a full-time Railroad Operations Manager to serve as a team leader working with paid and volunteer staff to coordinate the Museum’s year-round train operations.

At the Colorado Railroad Museum, we believe there’s something amazing about trains. We work hard every day to create extraordinary opportunities for learning in a fun and interactive environment. We also work hard to engage members, donors and supporters at all levels and from all walks of life in the work of the Museum. To accomplish these goals, we bring together a dynamic team of talented individuals, both paid and volunteer, whose passions range from locomotive restoration to exhibit design, to developing engaging programs, to offering only the best in customer service and the guest experience. We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, competitive wages, and a supporting, fun and rewarding work environment.

Position:  Railroad Operations Manager

Schedule:  Full-time, 40 hours/week, variable schedule including nights and weekends but predominantly Wednesday through Sunday

Rate:   $22.12/hour, commensurate with $46,000/year

Benefits: Paid vacation and sick leave. Full medical, dental, and vision coverage. 401(k) matching.

Reports to: Roundhouse Foreman and Chief Mechanical Officer, and works closely with Volunteer Manager

Responsibilities and Essential Functions: Grounds

• Posts volunteer operating schedule on the Museum’s Volunteer tracking software, and ensures that positions are filled for each operating day with qualified volunteers and/or Museum staff.
• Leads either in-person, or via trainers or appointed designee(s), railroad operations and operating volunteers on train operating days to ensure adequate staffing for train crews, main entrance crossing guards and wildfire watch along the right-of-way as needed.
• Maintains current list(s) of qualified operations personnel as well as designated operations trainers.
• Works with CMO, Roundhouse Foreman, and designated operations trainers to implement policies, rules, and regulations for operating personnel, and ensures that railroad operations are conducted safely and in a guest-friendly manner.
• With input from CMO and Roundhouse Foreman, develops and implements railroad training and certification programs and related materials for Brakemen, Conductors, Firemen, Engineers, Motormen, and other operating positions.
• Develops yearly Safety Rules Classes and testing in conjunction with the Safety Committee.
• Oversees ongoing observation of operations personnel to monitor any safety or other issues involving crew and/or equipment.
• Coordinates with CMO and Foreman to schedule and oversee operational railroad equipment, including regular inspections and repairs and annual maintenance cycles.
• Communicates with Maintenance of Way group and CMO/Roundhouse Foreman regarding ongoing inspections, plus maintenance and repair needs for track and right-of-way.
• Coordinates with Volunteer Manager for periodic recruitment appeals for new operations volunteers. Staffs or coordinates staffing of volunteer recruitment and orientation sessions.
• Maintains clear, open lines of communication with all paid and volunteer team members involved with railroad operations, including Executive Director. Schedules operational staffing in a manner that is open and transparent to all team members.
• May assist with train operations when volunteers or other paid staff are not scheduled/available.
• Assists with and/or coordinates adoption of goals and objectives for on-board narration and familiarization/training of narrators, including evaluation.
• Pursues certification to operate all railroad equipment and heavy machinery required at the Museum.
• As available time and priorities dictate, assists with Roundhouse tasks and Restoration work.
• Performs other duties as assigned

 Job Requirements

• Successful completion of a GCOR or similar railroad operations training program.
• Ability to communicate with guests and co-workers in a direct, respectful and confident manner
• Takes initiative in problem solving situations and works well independently.
• Ability to operate an assortment of machinery safely and within design parameters, heavy machinery experience preferred.
• Supervisory, lead, or shift/team leadership experience.
• Ability to adjust to shifting job duties, responsibilities and priorities.
• Maintains clean, neat and professional appearance.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

 Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands/work environment described here are representative of the requirements that must be met, and the conditions in which work will be performed, comprising essential functions of this job:

• Ability to move, transport, position, load, unload and set up materials and equipment (up to 50 lbs).
• Ability to climb stairs and negotiate ladders.
• The ability to stay on one’s feet for extended periods of time, including extensive walking.
• Ability to lead and perform all duties in all varied and possibly extreme weather conditions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to move about the Museum and communicate with guests, including young children.
• This position operates in a busy indoor/outdoor environment; crowds and moderate to very noisy sound levels are common.
• Associated outdoor duties are required as well; these activities may involve exposure to rain and snow, extreme temperature variations, and smoke/exhaust fumes from coal burning steam locomotives and other rail and road and off-road vehicles.

 Additional Information

• This position is subject to a probationary period not to exceed six months.
• Minimum age: 18
• The Colorado Railroad Museum is an at-will employer.

The Colorado Railroad Museum is an equal opportunity employer. The Museum is dedicated to the goal of building a diverse staff team committed to serving the needs of stakeholders and visitors, and applications from individuals of all backgrounds are welcomed and encouraged.