Manager, Safety & Training

General Job Summary:

The Manager of Safety & Training leads companywide safety programs and employee training initiatives. This role ensures compliance with FRA regulations while embedding FWWR's belief in "Safety Without Compromise" into daily operations.

The Manager develops and delivers training, supports regulatory audits, and partners with all departments to strengthen safe practices, skills, and team performance. Serving as both advisor and coach, this role drives a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence across the railroad.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of safety standards, rules, and procedures across all departments to ensure employee and operational safety.
• Develop and deliver training programs for conductors, mechanical staff, dispatchers, and contractors covering GCOR, Safety Rules, Air Brake and Train Handling, Hazmat, and company policies; ensure compliance with FRA regulations (49 CFR Parts 217, 218, 225, 240, 242, 243).
• Administer the Conductor Certification and Locomotive Engineer Certification programs in compliance with federal requirements.
• Conduct weekly field audits of new hires and current employees, providing coaching and feedback to reinforce safe performance.
• Perform weekly workplace safety audits and monthly industry safety audits; document hazards, track corrective actions, and ensure closeout.
• Coordinate monthly efficiency testing for transportation, track, signal, and mechanical departments as required by FRA; record and maintain test results.
• Maintain, update, and distribute all operating manuals (e.g., Timetable, Hazardous Materials, Roadway Worker Protection, GCOR, Air Brake and Train Handling Rules), security plans, safety publications, general orders, and other regulatory notifications.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Investigate accidents and incidents on company or customer property; collect documentation, evidence, and statements; prepare and submit timely investigation reports; communicate findings and preventative recommendations to customers when applicable.
• Verify that contractors working on company property meet all training and safety standards.
• Ensure daily Federal locomotive inspections are performed.
• Participate in nights and weekend management rotations as needed to support operations.

Basic Qualifications and Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Driver's License
• Follow all safety policies and procedures
• Read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) in English
• 7+ Years' Experience in Railroad Operations
• Previous experience as a DSLE
• Current or Prior certification as Locomotive Engineer/Conductor (Meet Title 49, CFR 240 requirements for hearing and vision acuity.)
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, swing shifts, evenings, and be on-call when required.
• Proficient computer skills using Word, Excel, and RMI Must be safety conscious and able to support and contribute to a strong safety process.
• Must be able to analyze causes of accidents, provide investigative input and research reports to design appropriate educational activities and operating practices.
• Ability to express ideas, information, and effectively communicate with others in a clear, concise, courteous, efficient and professional manner. Be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing within all levels of personnel within the Company. Ability to effectively communicate instructions, directions, process, procedures, safety rules, and regulations to co-workers, supervisors, and others in written, oral, and scheduled form.

Preferred Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Previous experience in a role with broad responsibility for all aspects of safety in a railroad environment
• Experience working with crews or supervising crews in an industrial or transportation field
• Previous leadership experience
• Certified in drug and alcohol testing and awareness

Work Environment:

• Primarily working in a field environment, but both indoors and outdoors. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Climb and balance well enough to climb, hold on, and balance on ladder attached to side of railcar, and/or climb steps of locomotive from level or uneven ground; and/or climb on/off moving equipment in emergency situations. Stand and walk on level or uneven ground.
• Sit, bend, twist, stoop, and kneel, push, pull, and/or lift, exerting up to 100 pounds of force. Occasional lifting of up to 90 pounds may be required.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.