Rail Operator

Overall Purpose and Objective of Position

This position maintains the rail yard and prepares railcars for loading and unloading of product at a soybean crushing and biodiesel plant.  Primary functions are to move railcars into position to be loaded, general maintenance of switch engines and track, inspecting and cleaning of railcars.  This associate is also responsible for complying with all applicable Company standards and government regulations. Also responsible for complying with all applicable Company and government regulations.

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Prepares railcars for loading and unloading of product in order to ensure timely delivery of all handled products.
• Operate and maintain the rail engines in good working order and notifies superiors of rail engine or rail yard issues
• Inspects and cleans railcars to make sure final products are not contaminated with foreign material.
• Prepare railcars for switching with the rail road.
• Ensures compliance with Company safety rules and wears proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.

Additional Responsibilities Functions

• Ensures work area is kept free from safety hazards which require regular bending and occasional lifting. 
• Completes tasks assigned by the Superintendents and Shift Supervisors
• Actively participates in Shift/Team activities including complying with best practices, standard operating procedures, development and maintenance and continuous improvement efforts.
• Actively participates in job-related training as required.
• Other duties as assigned

Company Conformance Statements

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with co-workers, Company business associates and the general public.
• Work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the Company.
• Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with the law and Company policy.

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses

Required qualification: High school diploma/GED.

Preferred qualification: Technical degree

Preferred qualification: Locomotive Engineer.

Experience

Basic qualifications: Three years’ experience in truck loading and unloading, rail tank, car loading,

            and/or operating a rail engine

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)

Basic qualifications:

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and procedures.
• Ability to operate machinery and computer systems while maintaining compliance with regulatory safety requirements, e.g., OSHA (including PSM), EPA, USDA, ISO 9000 and B-Q-9000.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders as well as work at heights; manage confined space entry, withstand extended periods of walking and standing; move manufacturing materials, products and equipment of 50 pounds or more which requires bending and lifting. 
• Mechanical aptitude, effective communication skills, basic math and fundamental PC skills.

Equipment Used

• Use of hand tools.
• Use of computer for entering data into electronic data system and control operating equipment.
• Use of occupational health and safety testing equipment (e.g., air monitors) in compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.

Working Conditions

Safety Sensitive position with Continuous 24/7 plant operation.  Regular exposure to a variety of temperatures and prevailing weather conditions; regular exposure to gases, vapors, dust, odors and flammable liquids; occasional exposure to areas with wet floors and high volume of noise.  Heavy lifting of manufacturing materials and products is required. Position will require regular stair climbing and extended periods of walking and standing in order to access and occasionally work in remote areas of the plant, heights and confined spaces.  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be worn in compliance with Company standards and government regulations.  Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to emergencies. 

Quality & Product Safety Responsibilities

• Maintains good working knowledge of Quality and Product Safety policies, rules and procedures applicable to area of responsibility and ensures all applicable requirements are adhered to
• Ensures employees are provided required training for area assigned, and jobs and tasks prior to assigning work
• Ensures area of responsibility is maintained in orderly and product safe manner
• Ensure unsafe product working conditions are remedied as soon as practicable

Employee Supervision

• No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Decision Making/Accountability

• Follows established laboratory procedures to ensure the safe and efficient operation to meet facility needs and production goals
• Works independently on routine duties but consults with supervisor on any problems
• Comply with governmental and company policies, regulations, and standards to ensure compliance