Public Projects Engineer will assist the Engineering Department to ensure physical property of the Iowa Interstate is maintained in a manner that is safe and cost efficient within an allocated budget. Provide engineering support in the field for Engineering, Operating, and Marketing Departments. May represent the Chief Engineer in meetings with shippers, local, state and federal government officials (public works, utilities, and construction). In special occasions, must be available for weekends, evenings, holidays, and extended time away from home as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Responsible for Leases, Land sales and joint facilities.
2. Prepares and reviews plans, estimates and specifications for Public Works construction. Inspects construction to ensure RR specs are met.
3. Check property for easements and encroachments.
4. Assist in the development of the MOW operating budget and prepares cost estimates.
5. Represents the Chief Engineer needed at various meetings and hearings.
6. Represents the company’s position and interest effectively in dealings with outside contractors, vendors, and engineering consultants.
7. Prepares engineering reports and other related work as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education, Licenses/Certifications and Work Experience

A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant engineering experience required. B.S. in Engineering from accredited trade college and/or P.E. in Civil Engineering preferred.   Working knowledge in all aspects of track, bridge and signal maintenance and construction; and experience as an Engineering Department Road Master and/or Bridge Supervisor preferred. Must possess and maintain a current and valid driver’s license, be insurable under IAIS’s commercial auto policy throughout IAIS employment and be able to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) upon request.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, and Mental Requirements

• Must be able to direct, make decisions and set priorities so that the resources of the Iowa Interstate are best utilized. Ability to manage a large number of projects concurrently.
• Considerable knowledge and ability in organization, direction and coordination of a wide variety of public works projects to obtain maximum results. Must be familiar with federal regulations pertaining to tracks, communications, bridges and signals, Iowa Interstate Engineering Department standards, On Track Worker Safety Rules, Timetables, Track Warrants, Operating Rules, and other rules, policies, and regulations of the Iowa Interstate Railroad and federal and state governments.
• Demonstrate a style of participative management in problem solving, project implementation, and continuous improvement objectives. Offers a service-oriented willingness to function as a technical resource to work teams and management.
• Ability to coordinate the Engineering Department work with other departments; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, City officials and the general public.
• Following company safety procedures, using common sense, and maintaining an overall level of safety awareness when operating in work environment.
• Making effective decisions when in unfamiliar locations or when responding to changes, interruptions, and obstructions in work process.
• Ability to meet and deal tactfully with the general public and communicate effectively through understanding oral and written communications (e.g., instructions, explanations, revisions to initial assignments, etc.).
• Working knowledge of technical computer language and its applications in order to prepare technical reports, estimates, construction, and cost records. Must be proficient in the use of AutoCAD.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Position involves occasional lifting/carrying of up to 50 pounds.  Must be able to set a high rail vehicle on and off the track and be able to travel over the property; climb and move about bridges and other structures for occasional inspection purposes. Constant talking either in person, on the telephone, and/or radio communication equipment.  Eye-hand coordination as well as ability to grasp.  Able to operate common and specialized hand tools in performing assigned tasks.  An average hearing threshold (in the better ear) of 40 decibels at 500 HZ 1000 HZ and 2000 HZ, aided or unaided.  Must possess at least 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses.  Must be able to recognize and distinguish colors displayed by signals, signs, etc.   May be stressful at times due to interruptions and multiple job duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The job requires the individual to follow standard safety procedures, be alert, and take necessary precautions (e.g., wearing/using protective clothes and equipment) to avoid possible injuries or health problems that may result from walking on irregular ground; working around moving equipment and other types of equipment; and working at high heights and elevations.
• The location of work performed and the tools and material used in the surrounding workplace, expose the incumbent to the following conditions:
• Weather (including extreme cold and/or heat for periods of more than one hour)
• Noise (from air compressors and other noisy equipment)
• Vibrations (from air hammers and other power equipment)
• Dust
• Irritants/chemicals
• Pollen (seasonal exposure to ragweed and other vegetation).                  

The statements stated in this job description reflect the general duties as necessary to describe the basic function, essential job duties/responsibilities, job requirements, physical and mental requirements and working conditions typically required, and should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of the job.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

About Iowa Interstate Railroad

The Iowa Interstate Railroad is a Class II regional railroad operating in the central United States. The position of Public Projects Engineer will be located at the Headquarters in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Connections working at Iowa Interstate Railroad