Conductor - Oklahoma City, OK

About the role

Control and coordinate train movements while switching railcars in yards, industrial plants, or similar locations to facilitate the safe and efficient loading and unloading of railcars. This is a manual labor position requiring proficiency in essential skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory 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, applying procedures using good judgment.
• Read switching orders from designated personnel.
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of train crews.
• Receive oral or written instructions from Manager or Customer regarding car switching.
• Notify engineer of switching orders and direct car movements to specified yard locations using radio, verbal, or hand signals.
• Communicate with crew or yard workers via radio to exchange switching information.
• Confer with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information on stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
• Instruct workers to throw track switches and couple/uncouple cars; may assist in these activities.
• Apply and release handbrakes using hand brake wheels or ratchet-type brakes.
• Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
• Maintain records of car numbers, origin, destination, and cargo.
• Coordinate switching crew activities from locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower.
• Couple or uncouple cars by raising the coupling lever.
• Throw track switches to facilitate car shunting and signal the engineer 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.
• Sit or ride in the locomotive cab to observe signals from other crew members.
• Perform minor repairs to couplings and air hoses; report equipment requiring major repairs.
• Communicate with Dispatcher via radio to exchange switching information.

Requirements

• Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Pass all required reporting, testing, and certifications for the position.

Qualifications

• 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 Maintenance of Way (MOW) Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center.
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University.
• Career advancement opportunities.