Train Dispatcher/Railroad Clerk

Train Dispatcher/Railroad Clerk

Cedar Rapids, IA - Starting Wage: Full Time, $29.00 per hour

Keep Freight Moving. Make Critical Decisions. Build a Railroad Career.

At Iowa Interstate Railroad, our Train Dispatcher/Railroad Clerks play a vital role in keeping trains moving safely, efficiently, and on schedule. This is a fast-paced operations position where your decisions directly impact customers, train crews, public safety, and the daily movement of freight across our railroad network.

If you enjoy problem-solving, multitasking, working in a team environment, and making real-time operational decisions, this could be the career for you.

Schedule Expectations: Please Read Carefully

This position operates in a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week transportation environment.

For the foreseeable future, new team members should expect to work rotating shifts that may include days, evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays. Schedules are assigned based on operational needs and staffing requirements.

This is not a traditional Monday through Friday office position. Dispatchers are responsible for supporting railroad operations around the clock.

Candidates who are most successful in this role are flexible, dependable, and comfortable working varying schedules in a 24/7 operating environment.

Why Join Iowa Interstate Railroad?

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Railroad Retirement Benefits
• Medical Insurance along with Dental Insurance and Vision Insurance
• Short-Term Disability / Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Paid Personal Time Off
• Much More

What You'll Do

Your responsibilities will include:

Train & Traffic Management

• Direct and coordinate railroad traffic throughout the territory.
• Issue authorities, permits, and track occupancy permissions.
• Plan train operations to minimize delays and maximize efficiency.

Operational Coordination

• Communicate weather conditions and operational impacts to personnel.
• Coordinate track and work activities with Engineering and Maintenance teams.
• Maintain familiarity with territory characteristics and operational changes.

Customer & Crew Support

• Provide accurate train movement information to internal and external customers.
• Arrange crew transportation, taxi services, and lodging accommodations as needed.
• Prepare train lists, switch lists, and operating information for train crews.

Documentation & Data Management

• Maintain accurate records related to:
• Freight inventory including Hazardous materials documentation
• Train consist and waybill information
• Yard inventory and more

Safety & Emergency Response

• Ensure compliance with all railroad operating rules and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations.
• Manage unexpected situations to protect employees, the public, railroad property, and customer freight.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license
• Basic computer proficiency
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including days, evenings, overnight schedules, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 to 5 years of dispatching, transportation coordination, logistics, or operations experience
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment requiring multi-tasking and decision-making

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

Successful dispatchers have:

• Excellent communication skills including strong attention to detail
• The ability to stay calm under pressure
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
• The ability to prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously
• Accountability and ownership of results
• Professionalism and teamwork

Build a Career That Matters

The railroad never sleeps, and neither does the commitment of the team that keeps it running. If you're looking for a challenging career where every shift brings new situations, opportunities to solve problems, and the chance to make a real impact on transportation across the region, we'd like to hear from you.

Please note: The schedule requirements, including rotating shifts, overnight work, weekends, and holidays, are essential functions of this position and should be carefully considered before applying.

Salary/Compensation: $29.00 per hour

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