Conductor/Engineer - Horicon, WI

About the role

Control and coordinate train movements while switching railcars in yards, industrial plants, or similar locations to facilitate the safe and efficient loading and unloading of railcars. This is a manual labor position requiring proficiency in essential skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory period.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule.
• Read, write, and communicate in English and understand basic math.
• Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes, applying procedures using good judgment.
• Read switching orders from designated personnel.
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of train crews.
• Observe radio and hand signals in yard or cab and operate locomotive in accordance with railroad rules and regulations.
• Move controls to switch and couple cars based on arm or lantern signals.
• Read and interpret wayside signals, track warrants, bulletins, and railroad rules to operate locomotive safely and on schedule.
• Receive instructions from Manager or Customer regarding which cars to switch.
• Notify engineer of switching orders and direct cars to specified yard locations using radio, telephone, verbal, or hand signals.
• Communicate with crew or yard workers via radio to exchange switching information.
• Confer with train dispatcher via radio for updates on stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
• Instruct workers to throw track switches and couple/uncouple cars.
• Turn hand brakes or ratchet-type brakes, and apply/release handbrakes.
• Inspect tracks for obstructions and locomotive for damaged or defective equipment after runs.
• Maintain records of car numbers, origin, destination, and cargo.
• Coordinate switching crew activities from locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower.
• Couple or uncouple cars by raising the coupling lever.
• Throw track switches to facilitate car shunting and signal the engineer using lanterns, arm signals, or radio.
• Connect air hoses to cars when making up trains.
• Set warning signals (flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes) during emergency stops.
• Observe signals from crew members while sitting or riding in the locomotive cab.
• Perform minor repairs to couplings and air hoses; report equipment needing major repairs.
• Perform other duties as requested or required.

Qualifications

• Ability to pass training and required testing.
• High School diploma or GED equivalent.

Benefits

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers.
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center.
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University.
• Career advancement opportunities.