Conductor/Engineer UCRY

About the role

This position falls under the provisions of a Collective Bargaining Agreement. The primary function of the Locomotive Engineer 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.

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, and 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.
• Safely and professionally 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.
• Quickly and accurately respond to visual symbols, signals, and displays (sound, light, picture, etc.).
• Maintain responsibility for safe and efficient operation of the locomotive.
• Perform manipulation of throttle and brake controls as well as interpreting gauges and controls.
• Manipulate valves and switches both inside and outside of the cab.
• Apply and release handbrakes.
• Ascend and descend steps and ladders to get on and off the equipment.
• Take directions from conductors and brakemen.
• Line switches.
• Perform maintenance services to the locomotive (brake shoes, oil, sand, and fuel).
• Comply with all new and outstanding railroad instructions regarding the operation of the train.
• Comply with all federal regulations regarding the operation of the train air brakes.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned by operations and/or management.

Requirements

• Verifiable High School diploma/GED or 2 years of relative experience in lieu of degree.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• 2 years of 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, including wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, measuring tapes, etc.
• Skills in using power tools and hydraulic equipment, including portable grinders, rail saws, spike pullers, track wrench machines, power drills.
• Preferred experience reading and comprehending safety manuals, operating and maintenance instructions, test materials, drawings, schematics, and procedure manuals.
• Must be able to meet physical requirements of the position.
• Position requires a flexible work schedule and 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 a high level of skill to effectively use problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Time Management: Values and manages time effectively. Prioritizes, manages, and organizes workload and a broad range of activities.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse personalities.
• Organizational Skills: Demonstrates a high level of organization.
• Resourcefulness: Ability to find innovative ways to overcome obstacles, problems, and unforeseen/challenging situations.

Physical Demands

The physical nature of the work will vary from day to day based on operational needs. The job requires the ability to perform the following:

• Meet and maintain color vision requirements as described in the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Regulations.
• Meet and maintain all hearing requirements as described in the FRA Regulations.
• Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, typing, grasping, handling, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion.
• Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places.
• Walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Heavy work requiring occasional lifting, carrying, frequent pushing, and pulling of up to or greater than 80 lbs.
• A wide range of motion for throwing ground and waist-level switches.
• Tolerance to extreme heat, cold, and wet conditions.
• Work outside in all weather conditions.
• Perform activities in the proximity of moving equipment.
• Good auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection, accommodation, field of vision, and depth perception for general safety.
• Color vision necessary for perceiving signals.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to hearing protection, safety-toe boots, and safety glasses.

Safety

Safety is the cornerstone value in our Company. Employees are expected to live our values on the job in how we work, how we act, and how we create value. Safety is a personal responsibility, and each team member must demonstrate safety advocacy every day. Compliance with safety and operating rules is required and essential to our own safety and that of others.