Conductor - Memphis, TN

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 the safe and efficient loading and unloading of railcars for our customers. 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 shift (days or nights), 4 days on, 4 days off.

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 a designated person and supervise/coordinate the activities of train crews.
• Receive oral or written instructions from a Manager or Customer indicating which cars are to be switched.
• Notify the engineer of switching orders and direct which cars are to be moved to specified yard locations using radio, verbal, or hand signals.
• Communicate with crew or other yard workers via radio to exchange switching information.
• Confer with train dispatchers via radio to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
• Instruct workers to throw track switches and couple/uncouple cars; may assist in these activities.
• Turn hand brakes or ratchet-type brakes to apply and release handbrakes.
• Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
• Maintain records of car numbers, origin, destination, and cargo.
• Coordinate activities of the switching crew from the locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower.
• Raise coupling levers to couple or uncouple cars.
• Throw track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signal the engineer to move cars using lanterns, arm signals, or radio.
• Connect air hoses to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force.
• Set warning signals (flares, flags, or lanterns) at the front and rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains.
• Sit or ride in the locomotive cab to observe signals from other crew members.
• Make minor repairs to couplings and air hoses; report equipment requiring major repairs.
• Communicate with Dispatchers via radio to give or receive switching information.

Qualifications

• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Must pass and/or obtain all required reporting, testing, and certifications for this position.

Education

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.