Job Description
Purpose and Scope :
Position exists to safely and efficiently operate trains, and to satisfy customer needs and requirements in moving cars to and from customer locations.
Principle Responsibilities :
Pay: 27.71- 30.15
Schedule:Usually M-F but can vary, some weekends.
Travel: Minimal
Per Diem: If you travel
Benefits: Yes
- Making up trains/switching cars
- Reviews customer requirements and job orders
- Uses efficient movements and means in switching and blocking operations
- Considers safety in the switching of cars
- Mounts and dismounts cars safely
- Determines/communicates switching movements
- Logs data pertinent to car movements
- Conducts safe train operation
- Conducts and participates in proper job briefings
- Wears proper PPE on the job where required
- Reports to work on time and well rested at reporting time
- Properly conducts air brake checks and car safety inspection
- Performs work in agreement with Operating Rules/Signals requirements
- Understands/follows radio communication procedures
- Uses proper track authority with all affected rail users
- Practices good housekeeping on assigned locomotive
- Assists as needed in on-the-job training for all lower positions
- Operates Locomotive (depends on training and level achieved)
- Operates Locomotive in safe and efficient manner
- Follows all safe practices in train operations
- Completes all forms necessary to locomotive operations
- Keeps proper track of HOS records
- Troubleshoots and perform minor locomotive maintenance issues
- Operates within our Customer Focus Environment
- Maintains a courteous and professional manner with customers
- Maintains a courteous and professional manner with general public
- Displays courtesy and sensitivity
- Manages difficult or emotional customer situations
- Meets commitments
- Responds promptly to customer needs
Note: At Level V and Senior Levels, the Transportation Specialist is able to back up the Operations Manager for station and train operations.
- Effectively backs up station manager
- Ensures safe station and train operations
- Completes required reports and paperwork
- Maintains station and property in safe and organized manner
- Follows proper cost control measures
- Ensures all FRA and other regulations are properly followed
- Responds properly to customer needs along the assigned line
Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical and Mental Requirements - Ability to maintain calm composure and professionalism and make safe and efficient decisions under emergency and normal operations
- Ability and willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
- Ability and willingness to wear all required PPE
- Regularly lift and carry objects or material weighing up to 20 lbs.
- Perform work activities that require making quick or repeated flexing movements with arms, legs or body (e.g. bending, stretching, twisting and reaching.)
- React and respond quickly and appropriately to emergency situations (e.g. reacting to alarms or to sounds indicating malfunction of equipment.)
- Remain standing or sitting for more than half of every work day, and/or an extended period of time.
- Read, inspect or do similar activities
- Perform activities involving the use of fingers (e.g. pinching, pushing buttons.)
- Perform activities involving the use of hands (e.g. holding, grasping, turning)
- Engage in physical activities for an extended period of time.
Types of Physical Tasks associated with train service duties - Tying of hand brakes on the engine, (requiring a “pumping” action up and down at a level below the waist,)
- M ount and dismount engines and cars from uneven surfaces and in all types of weather.
- Operate various designs of track switches (puzzle, spring) and derails (hand-thrown, dual control, electric) to change the route of the engine within yards or on the road
- Check switch points to assure switch is properly aligned
- Align drawbars by lifting, pulling, or pushing on the drawbar
- Pull pin-lifter rod to raise knuckle pin
- Lift and carry objects weighing over 50 lbs. relying on safety rules/experience in handling (lifting, moving, carrying, etc.) them
- Maintain balance while working in or around moving equipment, on uneven terrain, or on track ballast.
Types of Physical functions when working as a conductor - Get on and off moving or stationary equipment while train is performing industrial, station, or yard switching to set/release hand brakes or to perform other duties.
- Ride moving car by hanging on grab irons or ladder, sometimes for extended period of time
- Climb ladders, stairs, or other structures
- Flag for vehicular traffic at intersections
- Remove/replace broken knuckles weighing up to 85 lbs.
- Inspect the condition of trains/equipment while stationary, sometimes involving walking the length of the train involving distances of more than a mile and frequently over uneven terrain.
Other requirements - Ability to pass FRA mandated testing including substance abuse, vision, and physicals
- Requires an acceptable driving (DMV) record – clearance by the companies insurance company
- Ability to understand/follow radio communication procedures
- Ability to pass Operating Rules, Train Operating Signals, and Train Handling Test
- Acceptable reading and writing skills (necessary for operations)
- Ability to work up to 12 hour shifts, Holidays and weekends as required
- Ability and willingness to perform Track Worker duties as required
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Flexible hours, Shift work, Weekend work,