Conductor - Hutchinson, KS

About the Role

Keep the world's supply chain moving as part of the Watco team at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. This conductor/switchman position controls and coordinates train movements while switching railcars in 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 specific skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory period.

Pay

Hourly Pay Rate: $22.00

Schedule

12-hour shifts (days and nights)

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
• Read switching orders from designated person
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of train crews
• Receive oral or written instructions from Manager or Customer indicating which cars are to be switched
• Notify engineer of switching orders and which cars are to be moved to specified locations, using radio, verbal, or hand signals
• Communicate with crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information
• Confer with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains
• Give instructions to throw track switches and to couple and uncouple cars
• Assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved in switching operations
• Turn hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake to apply and release handbrakes
• Observe track to detect obstructions
• Maintain records of number, origin, destination, and cargo of cars switched
• Coordinate activities of switching crew from locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower
• Raise coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars
• Throw track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signal Engineer to move cars, using lantern, arm signals, or radio
• Connect air hose to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force
• Set warning signals, such as flares, flags, or lanterns at front and rear of train during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains
• Sit or ride in cab of locomotive to observe signals from other crew members
• Make minor repairs to couplings and air hoses and report any equipment requiring major repairs
• Talk to Dispatcher via radio to give or receive switching information

Requirements

• Must be able to pass and/or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position

Qualifications

• High School or GED equivalent
• Able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily

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