Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Tristen Branham

Jasper,AL

Summary

Dedicated and safety-focused professional with extensive experience in both railroad operations and underground coal mining. Proven ability to operate and maintain highly technical equipment in safety-critical environments, including locomotives, longwall shearers, hydraulic supports, and conveyor systems. Skilled in equipment inspection, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance with a strong record of compliance with FRA and MSHA regulations. Known for quick decision-making under pressure, effective teamwork, and commitment to productivity while maintaining zero-compromise safety standards. Brings a unique blend of transportation expertise and mining operations knowledge, demonstrating adaptability, reliability, and strong problem-solving skills across two demanding industries.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Engineer

BNSF Railroad
08.2022 - Current

Responsibilities

  • Operate freight trains according to schedules, speed limits, and safety regulations.
  • Monitor instruments, signals, and track conditions during operation.
  • Ensure compliance with Federal Railroad Administration rules and company policies.
  • Inspects locomotives before and after runs to identify potential issues.
  • Perform routine checks on brakes, couplings, and safety equipment.
  • Coordinate with conductors and yardmasters for efficient train assembly and switching.
  • Communicate with dispatchers and crew members for safe movement of trains.
  • Report hazards, delays, and equipment malfunctions promptly.
  • Respond to unexpected hazards (obstructions, equipment failures, weather issues).
  • Follow emergency protocols to protect crew and cargo.

Achievements

  • Safely operated trains with zero reportable accidents.
  • Improved on-time performance by coordinating more efficiently with dispatchers and conductors.
  • Successfully trained and mentored new engineers.
  • Reduced fuel consumption by implementing energy-efficient operating practices.
  • Played a key role in transitioning to modernized signaling or Positive Train Control (PTC) systems.
  • Maintained 100% compliance with federal safety audits and inspections.

Underground Coal Miner

Peabody Energy Corp.
09.2018 - 08.2022

Responsibilities

  • Operate and monitor shearers, shields, conveyors, and hydraulic supports in the longwall section.
  • Adjust and control equipment to ensure efficient coal extraction and proper face alignment.
  • Maintain continuous coal production while adhering to safety standards.

Safety & Compliance

  • Follow all Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations and company safety protocols.
  • Identify, report, and address hazardous conditions such as roof falls, gas build-up, or equipment failures.

Production & Coordination

  • Monitor coal flow and conveyor systems to prevent blockages and spillage.
  • Coordinate with outby crews for smooth material handling.
  • Assist in moving equipment forward as the longwall face advances.

Teamwork & Communication

  • Work as part of a crew in confined, high-pressure environments.
  • Communicate with supervisors, outby crews, and control room operators for efficient workflow.
  • Participate in safety meetings, training, and emergency drills.

Emergency Response

  • Follow evacuation procedures and assist coworkers when necessary.

Underground Coal Miner

Warrior Met Coal Inc.
01.2017 - 09.2018

Responsibilities

  • Operate and monitor shearers, shields, conveyors, and hydraulic supports in the longwall section.
  • Adjust and control equipment to ensure efficient coal extraction and proper face alignment.
  • Maintain continuous coal production while adhering to safety standards.

Safety & Compliance

  • Follow all Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations and company safety protocols.
  • Identify, report, and address hazardous conditions such as roof falls, gas build-up, or equipment failures.

Production & Coordination

  • Monitor coal flow and conveyor systems to prevent blockages and spillage.
  • Coordinate with outby crews for smooth material handling.
  • Assist in moving equipment forward as the longwall face advances.

Teamwork & Communication

  • Work as part of a crew in confined, high-pressure environments.
  • Communicate with supervisors, outby crews, and control room operators for efficient workflow.
  • Participate in safety meetings, training, and emergency drills.

Emergency Response

  • Follow evacuation procedures and assist coworkers when necessary.

Education

No Degree -

Bevill State Community College
Jasper, AL

High School Diploma -

Carbon Hill High School
Carbon Hill, AL
05-2016

Skills

  • Operation of longwall mining equipment (shearers, shields, conveyors, hydraulic supports)
  • Locomotive operation and train handling with FRA compliance
  • Equipment inspection, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance (mechanical, hydraulic, electrical)
  • Hazard recognition, risk management, and strict adherence to MSHA & FRA safety standards
  • Positive Train Control (PTC) systems and railroad signal interpretation
  • Coordination with crews, dispatchers, and supervisors to maintain safe, efficient operations
  • Strong communication, teamwork, and mentoring in safety-critical environments
  • Quick decision-making under pressure with high attention to detail and situational awareness

Certification

  • Certified Engineer
  • Certified Conductor

Timeline

Engineer

BNSF Railroad
08.2022 - Current

Underground Coal Miner

Peabody Energy Corp.
09.2018 - 08.2022

Underground Coal Miner

Warrior Met Coal Inc.
01.2017 - 09.2018

No Degree -

Bevill State Community College

High School Diploma -

Carbon Hill High School