Railroad Dispatcher job description

This post includes 3 parts: duties list, job qualification and job description writing tips for Railroad Dispatcher in details. A complete job description concludes Railroad Dispatcher key duties/responsibilities, Railroad Dispatcher job qualifications (knowledge, education, skills, abilities, experience…KSA model) and other ones such as daily tasks, key activities, key/core competencies, job functions/purpose…

I. List of Railroad Dispatcher duties:

1.      Authorizing the occupancy of main track and sidings by issuing track bulletins and warrants and communicating such authorities to train crews, track crews and others.

2.      Monitoring train movement and conditions affecting movements (such as weather conditions, train crew availability, engine and equipment availability, track warrants/bulletins, general orders, timetables, and track and speed restrictions), taking indicated actions to assure safety and performance, and coordinating responses to unplanned events and emergency situations.

3.      Tracking train delays, assuring movement of priority trains and coordinating the movement and protection of high/wide loads and special movements.

4.      Communicating via telephone or radio with train crews, yard supervisory personnel, Maintenance of Way personnel and others regarding train movements and instructions, train orders and authorities.

5.      Taking and reporting incidences of railroad crossing malfunctions and providing proper notifications and protection.

II. List of Railroad Dispatcher qualifications

1.      Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, pressure-filled work environment.

2.      Knowledge of General Code of Operating Rules and Railroad Operations.

3.      Strong typing and 10 key skills.

4.      Problem resolution skills.

5.      Attention to detail.

6.      Must be self motivated.

7.      Ability to prioritize and multi-task at the same time.

8.      Strong typing and 10 key skills.

9.      Strong phone skills and friendly but firm phone personality.

10.  Strong communication skills.

11.  Ability to learn and utilize new computer systems

12.  Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.

13.  Ability to communicate and coordinate with others.

14.  Flexibility with hours and schedule..

15.  Ability to work different shifts with 24 hours or notice or less..

16.  3-5 Years Railroad Dispatch experience.

III. Tips to write job description

1. Too-long job description:

Looking at a too-long job description can frighten the candidates off and drive the away. A job description, no matter how important the job is, should not be included in more than 3 pages. If one focuses on too many things at a time, he shall definitely lose focus on the main items and get overwhelmed by the remaining; So, keep it concisely.

2. Too-short job description:

While too-long can be a problem, too-short is more a problem. It will ruin the meaning of the job description. A too-short one means it lacks necessary details and therefore, the candidate will not be able to understand while reading it.

3. Listing unnecessary functions or job duties:

Just classifying these into the “others” category will save you a lot of effort and space. On the other hand, the job description will become more dilute and easy to be neglected.

4. Key functions

Not listing key functions as required for the job can be a fatal mistake to a job description.

5. Grammar and spelling

Poor grammar and having spelling errors can ruin the job description, too. Never think that as you are the employer, you may have the right to make grammar or spelling errors while requires other not to. A job description with such errors is easily to be mistaken as a fake or ghost ads; as a result, the candidate will turn away from it.

6. Not specific enough:

Be specific and concise; if you don’t address the specific, then what the job description is for. It is for the candidate to understand just exactly what he needs to do or needs to have. Lacking details can confuse the candidates very well.

7. Not having the job description reviewed by others:

This is also a common mistake. One may be subject to bias, but more than one, especially with the help of those external advisor, the job description can be more perfect.

8. Using buzzwords or abbreviations:

In fact, it is not necessary at all to use such in a job description.

9. Using slang or legal words:

Just use common wording to communicate with others and don’t do anything extraordinarily.

10. Not updating the job description:

The same job may require different duties and responsibilities in different times, so, you cannot use the same job description for 2 different times.