Conductor/Engineer - Minden, LA

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 specific 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 the locomotive safely and on schedule.
• Receive oral or written instructions regarding car switching and communicate with engineers or crew via radio, telephone, or signals.
• Confer with train dispatchers to exchange information about stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
• Give instructions to throw track switches and couple or uncouple cars.
• Turn hand brakes, apply and release handbrakes, and observe tracks for obstructions.
• Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.
• Maintain records of car numbers, origin, destination, and cargo.
• Coordinate switching crew activities from the locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower.
• Raise coupling levers to couple or uncouple cars and throw track switches for shunting.
• Signal engineers to move cars 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.
• Sit or ride in the locomotive cab to observe signals from crew members.
• Make minor repairs to couplings and air hoses; report major repair needs.
• 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.