Company Overview: 

U.S. Sugar produces approximately 6.5 million tons of sugarcane annually on more than 200,000 acres of land in the South Florida area. U.S. Sugar owns and operates the largest private agricultural short line railroad in the country and is the only sugar company in the continental United States that transports its harvested cane supply from its farms and other growers by railroad to its sugar factory.  The rail system includes the South Central Florida Express (SCFE), acquired by U.S. Sugar in 1994, which not only transports sugar cane to the factory, but also transports finished sugar products, citrus products, fertilizer, farm equipment, aggregates, and other freight interchanging with CSXT and FECR. SCFE services between 25 and 35 locations with over more than 300 miles of track. 

Job Description

The Railroad Dispatcher is responsible for coordinating and controlling the safe and efficient movement of trains, crews, and on-track equipment throughout the railroad. This position maintains constant communication with train crews, field personnel, and other departments while monitoring railroad activity, issuing movement authorities, and responding to operational changes or emergencies.

Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate and monitor the safe movement of trains and on-track equipment within assigned territory.
• Issue track authorities, clearances, bulletins, and other operating instructions in accordance with applicable rules and procedures.
• Maintain continuous communication with locomotive engineers, conductors, maintenance-of-way employees, supervisors, and other railroad personnel.
• Monitor train locations, track conditions, work zones, signal systems, and operational restrictions.
• Plan train movements to minimize delays and support efficient railroad operations.
• Coordinate track access for maintenance, inspections, repairs, and other field activities.
• Maintain accurate dispatcher logs, train movement records, reports, and required documentation.
• Immediately report accidents, injuries, rule violations, signal issues, track obstructions, or other unsafe conditions.
• Initiate emergency response procedures and coordinate with management, first responders, and other appropriate personnel when necessary.
• Communicate delays, service interruptions, equipment issues, and operational changes to affected departments.
• Ensure compliance with company operating rules, safety procedures, dispatching procedures, and applicable FRA requirements.
• Participate in required training, testing, safety meetings, and rules examinations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in railroad operations, transportation, logistics, dispatching, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to learn and apply railroad operating rules, safety requirements, and dispatching procedures.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions quickly in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple train movements and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to remain focused and attentive for extended periods.
• Ability to accurately maintain logs, records, and operational documentation.
• Must successfully complete all required training, rules examinations, and qualification requirements.
• Must be able to work independently with limited supervision.

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications – Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
• Must pass all company designated tests designed to measure basic skills (reading, arithmetic, process monitoring and problem solving), job skills, Microsoft Office proficiency,                                  mechanical aptitude and/or other interests, skills and characteristics.

• Must have ability to multi-task able to work within a fast-paced environment while balancing multiple responsibilities.
• Must have ability to prioritize tasks.
• Must have a valid driver’s license Class E or above.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

The work environment characteristics and physical requirements described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Working Conditions:

• Must be available to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as operationally required.
• Work is primarily performed in a dispatching or control-office environment.
• The position requires prolonged periods of sitting, viewing computer monitors, communicating by radio or telephone, and maintaining a high level of concentration.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods.
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle and/or move various objects, tools and/or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, talk, hear, and see.
• May be required to stand for long periods of time.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to operate and use all equipment necessary and use common office equipment.
• Ability to move or handle various items generally weighing between 0-30 pounds. Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.

This position will be reporting to Chris Starnes and/or Railroad Supervisors.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position.  Employees will be expected to follow any other instructions, and perform any other duties, as may be required by supervision.