Supervisor of Gondola Operations

Overview

Interstate Waste Services is the most progressive and innovative provider of solid waste and recycling services in the greater New York, New Jersey and Connecticut markets with a rail-served landfill in Ohio.  IWS is committed to delivering high-quality waste, recycling and environmental services, while prioritizing the safety of our employees, customers and communities. We cater to a diverse range of industrial, medical and commercial/residential customers.

Founded in 1998, IWS has grown over the years through acquisitions, many of which were family-owned businesses that remain a part of our team today. We’re proud to combine the resources of a large company with the values and care of a family-run business.

Essential Job Summary:

The Supervisor of Gondola Operations is responsible for the safe and efficient flow of gondola railcars during the assigned shift, from yard placement through unloading and the release of empty cars. The supervisor leads the shift crew, coordinates employees and equipment, maintains accurate railcar status, to carry out the daily operating plan.

Essential Job Functions: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other minor duties may be assigned.

• Lead shift gondola and railyard operations and give clear direction to equipment operators, laborers and support staff.
• Review the daily operating plan, train schedule, railcar inventory, equipment availability, staffing and weather conditions, then assign work for the shift.
• Maintain an accurate view of loaded and empty gondolas, including location, arrival, unloading status, release and any exceptions.
• Direct the receiving, unloading and return of gondolas during the shift so track and unloading capacity are used effectively.
• Enforce work procedures for railcar movement, securement, unloading, mobile-equipment interaction and employee access near active tracks; stop work when conditions are unsafe.
• Maintain an active presence in the yard, address hazards and housekeeping concerns, and coach employees on safe and efficient work practices.
• Track and report shift results, including cars received, unloaded and released, equipment availability, labor use and safety performance.
• Respond to late trains, damaged cars, blocked tracks, equipment downtime, staffing shortages, severe weather and changing landfill conditions; adjust assignments and escalate unresolved issues.
• Coordinate with Maintenance on inspection, service and repair needs for unloading equipment.
• Monitor attendance, approve time records, help onboard employees, provide clear feedback and elevate serious performance or conduct concerns to the manager.
• Maintain complete and accurate operating records and support audits or inspections involving rail, safety, environmental or landfill operations.
• Respond to injuries, derailments, railcar damage, spills, near misses and service failures; secure the area, make required notifications and support the investigation.
• Follow emergency response plans for rail and unloading events and participate in drills with Operations and Safety.
• Identify practical process and equipment improvements that could reduce risk, improve capacity or shorten gondola cycle time, and share recommendations with the manager.
• Provide a written shift update covering safety, production, railcar flow, staffing, equipment and follow-up items.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; relevant rail, logistics or technical education is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in rail, solid waste, bulk-material or heavy industrial operations.
• At least 2 years of experience leading employees or coordinating an operating shift is preferred.
• Direct experience with gondola railcars, railyard operations and railcar tracking is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of applicable OSHA, DOT, FRA, railroad and company requirements and the ability to work effectively with Safety.
• Experience assigning labor, monitoring equipment performance and tracking operating results.
• Strong judgment and communication skills, including the ability to remain clear and steady during service interruptions or emergency events.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office applications and railcar, maintenance or production-management systems.
• Able to work the assigned shift, including weekends, holidays or extended hours when operations require coverage.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are a plus.

 

Work Environment:

• Work is split between an office and active railyard, unloading and landfill areas with moving railcars, heavy equipment, trucks, noise, dust and odors.
• The position requires regular field presence in heat, cold, rain, snow and wind and the ability to walk uneven ground and use stairs or approved access points.
• The supervisor primarily works the assigned shift and may be required to work weekends, holidays or extended hours based on operating needs.

 

Additional Information

 

This job description is intended to be an accurate representation of the general functions of the job, rather than exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or experience. Other duties may be assigned, requested, or required. Aspects of the job may be altered without notice.

 

Interstate Waste Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Salary Range Minimum

USD $60,000.00/Yr.

Salary Range Maximum

USD $80,000.00/Yr.