Chief Engineer, Pacific Harbor Line

The PHL Chief Engineer is responsible for ensuring the effective performance of maintenance functions.

Responsible for coordinating and directing the safe maintenance and repair of all track, track components, roadbed, signals, and bridges located in the PHL service territory.  Establishes and maintains a strong safety culture that promotes the safe and efficient performance of duties by the workforce and contractors. Implements preventative maintenance programs and manages the MOW parts and supply inventory.  Ensures that all related maintenance records are accurate and current to FRA and CPUC standards and company requirements.  Coordinates, plans and schedules maintenance and repair activities and projects, supervising subordinate staff, and establishing and enforcing department policies, standards, guidelines and procedures.  Implements continuous improvement policies to inspect and improve track, bridge, signal, and railroad equipment performance and reliability.  Assists in the creation and management of operating and capital budgets.  Keeps management well informed of department activities and MOW issues and trends.  Works with other managers, departments, port officials, and outside concerns to ensure departmental goals are met and projects are completed on time. 

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Pacific Harbor Line, Inc. provides rail transportation, maintenance and dispatching services to the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, which together form the largest container port in the United States. In addition to switching over 40,000 units of carload freight annually, PHL provides rail switching services for nine on-dock intermodal terminals and provides dispatching services for about 140 intermodal or unit trains per day.  PHL connects with BNSF and UP.

https://www.anacostia.com/railroads/phl

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Title: Chief Engineer

Reports to: President

Classification: Exempt Manager

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.     Responsibility for ensuring the effective performance of maintenance functions.

a. Coordinates all Engineering Department maintenance activities with transportation management to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable train service to PHL’s customers.

b.Supervises daily maintenance and upgrades of track, property, equipment, bridges, culverts and other ROW components in accordance with FRA and CPUC regulations, and PHL standards and procedures.  Receives, reviews, and assigns maintenance and repair requisitions.

c. Oversees the maintenance and upgrades of the signals, communications, and train control                         systems in accordance with FRA and CPUC regulations, OEM recommendations and PHL standards and procedures.

d.Oversees the maintenance and cleaning of right of way, tracks, yards, shops, offices and other facilities located in the PHL service territory in accordance with PHL standards and procedures.

e.Develops and maintains a system for tracking useful life cycles of assets including rail, ties, turnouts, etc.

f. Develops renewal programs to preserve and extend the useful life of the facilities and systems.  Plans and budgets these lifecycle renewals into short term (5 year) programs.

g. Plans and forecasts vehicle and equipment requirements for maintenance, production, and construction projects and programs.

h.Conducts scheduled inspections and assists in infrastructure audits. Becomes familiar with the location of major underground utilities and utility corridors.

i. Oversees the provision of flagging services in support of third-party engineering projects.

j. Develops, updates, and implements an ongoing preventative maintenance program to preserve and improve the safety and reliability of all facilities, systems, infrastructure and equipment.

k. Oversees the development and administration of the Engineering Department budget.  Forecasts budget need for staffing, training, equipment, materials, supplies and contractors.  Monitors and approves expenditures, implementing budgetary controls and adjustments as appropriate and necessary.

l.Provides scope, negotiates and manages contracts with outside vendors and suppliers for the procurement of services, equipment, materials, and supplies related to the maintenance and upgrade of railroad infrastructure.  Ensures that work and track are acceptable and meet quality and pricing standards. 

m.Initiates and assists in the development of the infrastructure special projects program budget.

n.Oversees the maintenance of training, inspection, and repair records in accordance with FRA and CPUC requirements; directs the preparation of timely reports as required.

o. Maintains drawing and other records from capital projects to facilitate ordering of MOW parts and materials.

p. Maintains appropriate inventory of track repair parts and supplies.  Oversees inventory coding and organization, and schedules special order deliveries.

2.     Responsible for maintaining professional relations with the community and external trade contacts.

a. Maintains positive working relationships with other railroads, customers, suppliers, vendors, and contractors.

b. Obtains and conveys information courteously and promptly. 

c. Projects and maintains the Company’s professional reputation, noting that this is a ‘client-facing’ position.

d. Collaborates with multiple agencies and organizations including, but not limited to UPRR, BNSF, POLA, POLB, ACTA, FRA, neighboring businesses, and state and local agencies.  Provides input on engineering projects that may or will impact PHL operations and/or facilities.

e. Encourages the adoption of common standards for capital projects originating from POLA, POLB, ACTA, UPRR, BNSF or neighboring businesses.

3.     Effectively supervises assigned personnel, ensuring optimal performance.  

a. Provides leadership through setting objectives, delegation, and communication.  Conducts formal and informal regular meetings.

b. Ensures a safe and secure working area for all employees.

c. Implements, leads or directs and leads all safety activities required of the Engineering Department by the PHL safety program.  Ensures all regulatory and non-regulatory training is performed from employees to perform assigned duties in a safe, efficient and regulatory compliant manner.  Ensures diligent application of all safety rules, policies, and procedures designed to protect employees, customers, and the environment.  Monitors and/or anticipates hazardous and unsafe situations and implements suitable countermeasures.  Keeps the PHL environmental manager and reporting officer appraised of all incidents and issues.

d. Trains and directs assigned personnel.  Provides instruction regarding the repair and maintenance of track structures.  Schedules personnel in the daily completion of preventative maintenance and major repair work. 

e. Oversees the staffing of the Engineering Department including the selection, training, and performance management of MOW personnel.  Interfaces with all MOW department personnel to resolve engineering issues and actions. Provides input to CBA negotiations as needed.

f. Evaluates and introduces new technology that makes track and signal inspection and maintenance more efficient, where appropriate.

g. Conducts management performance appraisals and recommends salary actions as appropriate. 

h. Formulates and implements corrective employee actions as needed.

4.     Responsible for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with related departments and with management. 

a. Ensures that all department records, maintenance logs, and files are current, accurate and complete.

b.Serves on committees as assigned.  Provides input on budgets, capital improvements, and related items.

c. Coordinates activities between maintenance of way personnel and other departments or other railroads.  Ensures that maintenance activities are effectively and efficiently completed.

d.Keeps management well informed of maintenance activities and of any significant problems.

5.     Responsible for related duties as required or assigned.

a. Attends seminars and training sessions to update technical and regulatory knowledge as needed. 

b. Stays current with state-of-the-art industry practices for design, installation, and maintenance of all assets. 

c. Provides input, advice and support to the engineering efforts and activities of other Anacostia locations as required/assigned by the PHL President.

d.Completes special projects as assigned.

e. Subject to call and must respond to emergencies including derailments and infrastructure failures at any time (i.e.- 24/7 availability) working alternative shifts and days as may be required.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

·     Daily maintenance activities are effective and well-coordinated.   Assigned personnel are efficient, effective, and appropriately directed.   Overtime is effectively administered, and all operations are completed within authorized budgetary or financial limits.

·     Material is picked up, organized and stored after each job.  Material inventory is tracked and accurate.  Variances from actual to recorded are within acceptable limits.

·     Maintenance operations meet established FRA track safety standards and are in accordance with department policies and procedures.  Railroad is maintained or slow orders applied appropriately for authorized speeds as verified by audit inspections and geometry car inspections.

·     Professional business relationships are developed and maintained with vendors, suppliers, and contractors. Information is promptly and effectively conveyed as appropriate.

·     Management is promptly and effectively informed of area activities and of any significant problems in a timely manner.

·     Effective track preventative maintenance programs are developed and implemented resulting in zero track failures and resultant operational interruptions.

·     Employees and contractors demonstrate full compliance with regulatory requirements, safety and operating rules, and company policies, procedures and billing practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Licenses and Certification:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited university in civil engineering, or specific job-related field, or an equivalent combination of experience and education is required.

• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and have a vehicle driving record that will meet company insurance requirements.

• Familiar with Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) and other applicable FRA regulations.

• Qualified FRA Track Inspector is required.

• Active member of the American Railroad Engineering and Maintenance Association (AREMA).

• Must have and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card.

Required Knowledge: 

• Railroad maintenance of way knowledge including engineering and construction.

• Knowledge of preparation process for production rail, tie, and surfacing crews.

• Thorough knowledge of FRA and CPUC regulatory standards and railroad’s Operating Rules.

• Knowledge of track maintenance commensurate with type of track maintained, (e.g. ARH Local Road Policies and Procedures)

• Knowledge of curve elevation design theory and string lining curves

• Knowledge of MOW equipment capabilities.

• Knowledge of derailment investigations.

• Basic knowledge of railroad welding processes.

• Knowledge of best safety practices to reduce risk of injuries and incidents

• Expert knowledge of track maintenance and track inspection processes

• Basic knowledge of structural and mechanical construction.

• Ability to read complex surveys and follow design drawings and track layout plans.

• General familiarity with AREMA and Class I railroad track, bridge, and signal standards.

Required Experience:

•     Minimum of ten years’ progressive experience in railroad maintenance activities, with at least five of those years in a supervisory role (foreman, supervisor, manager, etc.). 

•     Minimum of five years’ experience at the senior manager level in one or more of the following areas:

•     Experience in an FRA regulated environment is preferred.

•     Extensive experience in project and inventory management, technical design, supervision, planning and scheduling, budget and finance, contracts management, field production methods, agency coordination, railroad maintenance, construction methods, operations, and procedures.

•     Extensive experience demonstrating strong inter-departmental leadership with the ability to identify problems and develop and implement solutions.

Job Functions, Skills & Abilities: 

• Commitment to safety is the number one priority.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Effective leadership and management skills.

• Position requires results-oriented individual with a sense of urgency. 

• Effective organization and multi-tasking skills with a strong attention to detail.

• Strong problem solving abilities.

• Able to organize multiple projects and complete in a timely manner.

• Strong commitment to high quality and continuous improvement.

• Proven ability to effectively develop and manage budgets.

• Proven ability to effectively operate and complete projects within budgetary requirements.

• Must have the ability to interact constructively, establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with external stakeholders and employees at all levels of the organization.

• Must have a strong understanding and demonstration of the tactful skills necessary to professionally interact with clients, customers, and outside agencies.

• Effective skills using Microsoft Office products (especially Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel) and proven proficiency in other job-related software applications required for construction projects, analyzing data, and preparing reports, correspondence and presentations. 

• Able to convey detailed or important instructions or ideas clearly, accurately, and effectively.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Approximate 60/40 Office/Field split.

• When working outdoors, subject to varying temperatures, which may include extreme heat (temperatures above 100 degrees Farenheit) or extreme cold (temperatures below 0  degrees Fahrenheit). May be exposed to snow, rain, hail, and wind on a periodic basis.

• Walks long distances for track inspections and audits, and track measurements in conditions including elevated work spaces (bridges, ladders, etc.), uneven work surfaces and slopes, proximity to chemicals; proximity to electric current hazards, proximity to moving machinery, etc.

• Outdoor work environment may require worker to shout to communicate.

• Wears Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including but not limited to steel toed boots, ear and eye protection, gloves, high visibility gear, and hardhat when required.

• Subject to exposure to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and/or limited ventilation in rail yard, building or road environments.

• Work hours may be long and irregular; may include being on call and/or working nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

• Frequent local travel and occasional out-of-the-area travel.

• Must be able to eligible to work in the United States and pass the PHL pre-employment process which includes a criminal background check, physical, and drug and alcohol screening.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL ABILITY | REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION

HEARING: Requiring adequate hearing ability that facilitates effective verbal communication. 

REPETITIVE MOTIONS: Movements frequently and regularly required using the wrists, hands, and fingers.

VISUAL ACUITY: Average, ordinary visual acuity necessary to prepare or inspect documents, track and materials, or operate machinery.

PHYSICAL STRENGTH: Light work; exerts up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 15 lbs. frequently, and 5 lbs. constantly. Able to walk long distances on uneven surfaces and ride equipment. 

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to deal with a variety of variables under only limited standardization. Ability to interpret various instructions.

MATHEMATICS ABILITY: Ability to perform basic math skills, use decimals to compute ratios and percents, and to draw and interpret graphs.

LANGUAGE ABILITY: Ability to effectively read and comprehend technical manuals, drawings, engineering notes, technical journals, etc. Ability to write effective and easy to understand instructions, documents, etc. Able to effectively communicate both written and verbally in English; ability to also do so in Spanish is a plus.

CALDWELL CONTACTS

DAVE WINSTON

Managing Partner

office: 214 765 7842

mobile: 817 903 8771

dwinston@caldwellpartners.com

JANE POMAR

Director, Caldwell Advance

office: 786 565 3309

mobile: 904 993 6976

jpomar@caldwellpartners.com

KATALINA KALOCZY

Project Coordinator | Research Assistant, Caldwell Advance

office: 305 921 0047

mobile: 305 297 7132

kkaloczy@caldwellpartners.com

www.caldwellpartners.com