Conductor/Engineer (OERR)

About the role

The conductor/engineer position controls and coordinates train movements while switching railcars in railroad yards, industrial plants, or similar locations to facilitate safe and efficient loading and unloading of railcars. This is a manual labor role requiring proficiency in various skills and duties within a prescribed training 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 and apply procedures using good judgment.
• Inspect locomotive before run to verify specified fuel, sand, water, and all FRA requirements.
• Read switching orders from designated personnel.
• Observe radio and hand signals in yard or in cab and operate locomotive in accordance with railroad rules and regulations.
• Observe arm or lantern signals and move controls to switch and couple cars.
• Read and interpret wayside signals, track warrants, bulletins, and railroad rules to operate locomotive safely and on schedule.
• Communicate with crew or yard workers via radio to exchange switching information.
• Confer with train dispatcher via radio for instructions concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
• Assist in throwing switches or other switching operations.
• Turn hand brakes and tie handbrakes.
• Observe track to detect obstructions.
• Inspect locomotive after run to detect damaged or defective equipment.
• Maintain records of car numbers, origin, destination, and cargo.
• Coordinate activities of switching crew from locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower.
• Raise coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars.
• Throw track switches and signal engineer to move cars using lantern, arm signals, or radio.
• Climb ladders to top of cars, ride atop cars, and turn hand wheels to set brakes or control speed.
• Connect air hoses to cars when making up trains.
• Inspect couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes by walking along tops of cars.
• Set warning signals (flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes) during emergency stops.
• Sit or ride in locomotive cab to observe signals from crew members.
• Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes; report major repair needs.
• Perform other duties as requested or required.

Requirements

• High school education or General Education Development (GED).
• Must have or have had 49CFR242 and/or 49CFR240 qualifications.
• At least 1 year of job-related experience or equivalent education and experience.
• Ability to pass training and required testing.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

Skills

• Apply common sense and understanding to carry out written and oral instructions.
• Write legibly.
• Perform duties requiring heavy lifting.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Recognize and address problems.
• Knowledge of Roadway Protection Rules.
• Broad understanding of railroad operations.

Work Environment

The role involves regular exposure to outside weather conditions, noise, and fumes from gas, oil, and grease.

Tools & Equipment

• Machines and tools: hammers, ratchets, chisels, pry bars, wrenches, and brushes.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): hard hat, vest, safety glasses, FR clothing, gloves, steel-toed boots.