Conductor/Engineer - MSOR

About the Role

The primary function of the Conductor is to maintain responsibility over the physical operation and safety of the locomotive. All train crew employees are responsible for strict adherence to safety guidelines and for completing their duties with integrity and professionalism.

This role includes responsibilities for both Conductor and Locomotive Engineer positions.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
• Review instructions from dispatchers and yardmasters; discuss with locomotive engineer and train crew.
• Inspect all equipment on cars prior to departures.
• Accurately receive and transmit information by radio and telephone.
• Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists.
• Safely assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses.
• Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars.
• Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety.
• Comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems.
• Make precise adjustments in moving the controls of a machine or vehicle to exact positions.
• Respond quickly to visual symbols, signals, and displays (sound, light, picture, etc.).
• Safely operate the locomotive, including manipulation of throttle and brake controls, interpreting gauges, and applying/releasing handbrakes.
• Manipulate valves and switches both inside and outside of the cab.
• Ascend and descend steps and ladders to get on and off equipment.
• Take directions from conductors and brakemen.
• Line switches and perform maintenance services to the locomotive (brake shoes, oil, sand, and fuel).
• Comply with all railroad instructions and federal regulations regarding train operation and air brakes.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by operations and/or management.

Requirements

• 18 years of age or older.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• 2 years verifiable work experience and/or college; railroad industry experience strongly preferred.
• Must pass all required assessments and a background screening.
• Federal regulations require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol.
• No driving violations involving alcohol or drugs within the past 3 years.
• Knowledge of and skills in using hand tools (wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, measuring tapes) and power tools/hydraulic equipment (portable grinders, rail saws, spike pullers, track wrench machines, power drills).
• Ability to read and comprehend safety manuals, operating/maintenance instructions, test materials, drawings, schematics, and procedure manuals.
• Must meet physical requirements of the position.
• Flexible work schedule with the need to work overtime on occasion.
• Must report to work as called on a 24-hour schedule.

Skills

• Verbal Comprehension: Understands oral and written communications (both general and technical).
• Communication Skills: Provides clear instructions/directions; listens and adheres to operations and management guidance.
• Reasoning Skills: Demonstrates high-level problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Time Management: Values and manages time effectively; prioritizes and organizes workload.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse personalities.
• Organizational Skills: Demonstrates high-level organization.
• Resourcefulness: Ability to find innovative ways to overcome obstacles and challenging situations.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Must meet and maintain color vision and hearing requirements as described in Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Regulations.
• Physical activities include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, typing, grasping, handling, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion.
• May work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places.
• Will walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Heavy work requires occasional lifting, carrying, frequent pushing, and pulling of up to or greater than 80 lbs.
• Requires a wide range of motion for throwing ground and waist-level switches.
• Outdoor position requiring tolerance to extreme heat, cold, and wet conditions.
• Must work outside in all weather conditions and in proximity to moving equipment.
• Good auditory and visual acuity, tracking, inspection, accommodation, field of vision, and depth perception required for safety.
• Color vision necessary for perceiving signals.
• Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including hearing protection, safety-toe boots, and safety glasses.

About the Company

Safety is the cornerstone value at Patriot. Employees are expected to live company values on the job, demonstrating professionalism and safety advocacy daily. Compliance with safety and operating rules is essential for personal safety and that of others.

Patriot values relationships with customers, employees, shareholders, communities, and other stakeholders. Safety, integrity, reliability, ethical behavior, and exceptional customer service are critical to maintaining these relationships. Everyone at Patriot embraces these values, demonstrating them in everything they do—known as "The Patriot Way."