Company: Northern Plains Railroad, Inc.

Business Unit: Complete Track Works

Department: CTW Administration

Travel: required throughout U.S.A. up to 75%

Schedule: Varies. Irregular hours.

Summary:

The Assistant Director of Track Inspection Consulting is responsible for leading and growing the company’s track inspection and consulting services while supporting construction operations and strategic business initiatives. This role serves as the primary point of contact for rail inspection consulting activities including customer consultation, technical evaluations, regulatory guidance, inspection reporting, and business development support.

This position conducts railroad track inspections, provides technical recommendations to customers, and supports the development of consulting programs and services aligned with FRA regulations and industry standards. Additionally, this role assists with construction operations oversight, operational planning, staffing coordination, and the safe execution of contracted services.

The Assistant Director collaborates closely with operations, leadership, business development, and marketing teams to support growth initiatives and expand consulting opportunities throughout the railroad industry.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:

Consulting & Inspection Services

• Lead development and expansion of track inspection consulting services.
• Serve as the primary customer contact for rail inspection and consulting projects.
• Conduct railroad track inspections for compliance with FRA regulations, customer standards, and industry requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and recommendations regarding track conditions, maintenance strategies, compliance risks, and corrective actions.
• Interpret FRA regulations, engineering standards, railroad specifications, and applicable industry requirements.
• Develop inspection scopes, consultation recommendations, and service proposals tailored to customer needs.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports, findings, recommendations, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, consultations, and compliance-related activities.
• Travel extensively to customer sites for inspections, evaluations, and consulting activities throughout the United States.

Business Development & Client Relations

• Collaborate with leadership, operations, and marketing teams to support growth strategies and expand consulting services.
• Identify new business opportunities related to rail inspection, compliance, maintenance planning, and consulting services.
• Build and maintain positive customer relationships through responsive communication, professionalism, and technical support.
• Present inspection findings, project updates, recommendations, and service solutions to customers and leadership teams.
• Collaborate with other business units to develop proposals that address customer needs, concerns, and project objectives.

Construction Operations & Leadership Support

• Assist in the planning, coordination, staffing, and safe execution of profitable contracted construction and track service operations.
• Support development of strategic business plans, operational goals, labor planning, and budgeting initiatives.
• Analyze operational expenditures and financial information to support profitability and cost control efforts.
• Assist with development, monitoring, and adjustment of operating budgets and project pricing strategies.
• Support administration of contracts, agreements, change orders, invoicing, and project documentation.
• Monitor operations to ensure compliance with company safety policies, operating procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Maintain a dedication to safety, quality, productivity, and customer service by promoting safe work practices and operational excellence.
• Identify service issues and support continuous improvement initiatives to meet customer expectations and company goals.
• Participate in review of contracts, legal matters, and confidential business information as required.
• Perform various duties as assigned.
• Will perform work on Northern Plains Railroad as directed.

Competencies:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Extensive knowledge of FRA track safety standards, railroad inspection practices, and railroad construction operations.
• Ability to identify track defects, maintenance concerns, compliance risks, and operational improvement opportunities.
• Experience conducting railroad inspections, maintenance evaluations, and technical consultation services.
• Ability to develop and communicate technical recommendations clearly to customers, contractors, and operational teams.
• Strong customer relationship management, business development, and communication skills.
• Ability to operate independently in field environments with limited supervision while managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong written documentation, reporting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to effectively solve problems, resolve conflicts, and make objective decisions.
• Extensive experience in track construction, maintenance, production gang work, track inspection, and track consultation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and multiple operational activities in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of railroad billing, estimating, budgeting, and operational cost management.
• Ability to analyze and interpret technical materials, engineering drawings, specifications, and operational data accurately and effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively with construction contractors, vendors, consultants, customers, and internal teams.
• Effective communication and collaboration with all departments, including senior leadership.
• Strong professionalism, leadership presence, and commitment to safety and teamwork.
• Inspiring Trust – Maintains high standards of personal integrity; behaves in accord with expressed beliefs and commitments; establishes open, candid, and trusting relationships; treats others fairly and consistently; collaborates as a team player.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to meet the physical demands listed below:

• Continuous: Work outside on or near railroad tracks (most of day spent standing on feet). Grasping hand & track tools, materials & equipment. Vision & hearing while on duty & balancing.
• Frequent: Must be able to perform manual labor consisting of lifting & carrying 10-50 lbs., bending, and working at ground level in all types of weather. Crouching, reaching above & below shoulder level, stooping and walking. Throwing a switch. Perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs, moving the whole body, such as standing, climbing, bending, lifting, balancing, and handling of materials, equipment, and tools. Exposed to loud noises. Exposed to live track/trains/ high voltage/ moving equipment.
• Occasional: Climbing on & off equipment or machines, driving, kneeling, squatting, ascend & descend ladders, sitting, ascend & descend stairs, twisting. Pushing & pulling.
• Rare: crawling & jogging, sitting.

Environmental:

• Continuous: Must be able to work outdoors in all extreme weather conditions.
• Work outdoors at project sites in harsh weather conditions including very hot and very cold weather.
• Must wear appropriate safety equipment such as safety glasses, hard hats, safety footwear, and hearing protection as required.
• Exposure to dust. Uneven surfaces.
• Occasional: Vibration; works at heights.

Education and Training:

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of railroad construction, maintenance, inspection, or related railroad operations experience preferred.
• Experience with railroad track inspection, FRA compliance, and consultation services strongly preferred.
• Project Engineer certification preferred.
• Experience supporting business development, proposal development, or consulting services preferred.
• AAS or bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Railroad Operations, or related field preferred.
• 5,000+ hours leading and directing railroad construction or maintenance projects preferred.
• 5+ years developing budgets, operational plans, or business strategies preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Familiarity and proficiency with estimating software, Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Project, and Google Earth.
• Valid Driver’s License required. Class A Non-Tractor Trailer CDL preferred.
• Must maintain an insurable driving status in accordance with NPRS driver provisions.
• Strong understanding of AREMA, FRA, CP, CN, BNSF, OSHA, and other applicable industry standards together with qualifications in GCOR and Roadway Protection Training.

Requirements of Joining Our Team:

Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to:

1.    Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment.

    2.    Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.

    3.    Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.

    4.    Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position.

We value transparency and the safety of our employees and customers, and these steps are essential in upholding our commitment to excellence.

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned. This job description may change at any time as declared by Management.

NPRS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation. NPRS is a tradename used by Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR), Northern Plains Services, Inc. (NPS), and All Rail, Inc. (All Rail).