Engineer/Conductor - Lima

Oversees the train, freight, and crew: operates track switches, couples and uncouples cars, places cars to facilitate loading and unloading, and positions cars and engines in rail yards and on the main railroad. Ensures safe train operation by complying with operating rules and train handling policies to transport freight efficiently. Executes mechanical operation of the train, including speed and handling, while maintaining clear communication with dispatchers and track authorities.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operation, and FRA standards.
• Move trains safely in yards and over roads.
• Manipulate throttle and brake controls; interpret gauges and controls.
• Operate valves and switches inside and outside the cab, including applying and releasing handbrakes.
• Operate track switches, inspect equipment on cars, and use radio communications to control train movement.
• 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.
• Maintain awareness of surroundings and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety.
• Review instructions from Trainmaster and discuss with train crew.
• Coordinate execution of railcar switch lists.
• Communicate with yard personnel using proper hand signals and/or radio communication protocol.
• Adhere to directions from conductors and brakemen.
• Conduct movement of rail cars and train movements; signal crew members using lantern, hand, flag signals, or radio.
• Observe, interpret, and relay arm, lantern, or radio signals affecting train movement.
• Operate track switches to change direction of engine or cars within yard limits or on the main railroad; may apply or release hand brakes.
• Read and understand rule books, timetables, bulletins, train orders, waybills, placards, safety instructions, and other written materials.
• Prepare daily reports, switch lists (manually or with a computer), and fill out forms including train orders.
• Inspect the condition of the train and equipment while in motion and stationary.
• Couple air and electrical connections between locomotives when making up trains.
• Judge speed and distance of moving objects or parts.
• Recall information required from work activity.
• Report to work as called on a 24-hour schedule.
• Work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries.
• Wear required protective equipment such as hard hats, hearing protection, safety-toe boots, or safety glasses.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 2-3 years of Train Services experience.
• Aptitude in the Transportation field and desire to learn.
• Pass post-offer job and health-related examinations, including operating rules examination, vision, and hearing tests.
• Comply with all railroad instructions regarding train operation.
• Read, comprehend, and comply with published rules, procedures, manuals, inspection checklists, government regulations, and other work-related information.
• Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Write legibly to complete routine reports and other work documents.
• Effectively communicate and demonstrate interpersonal skills with employees and business associates.
• Demonstrate problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Professional integrity and accountability.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Valid State Driver’s License.
• FRA Conductor Certified.
• FRA Locomotive Engineer Certified (required post-hire).

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in Rail Transportation, Supply Chain Logistics, Manufacturing, and/or Oil & Gas industries.

Work Environment

Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by weather, including snow, rain, heat, and sub-freezing temperatures. Work environment includes loud noise and fumes from gas, oil, and grease.

Physical Requirements

• Strength:
  • Lifting - Knuckle: Occasional, 85 lb, Two Hands, 0 in to 46 in.
  • Pushing - Auto Rack Brake: Occasional, 83 lb, Two Hands, 67.5 in, Neutral Cylinder.
  • Pushing - Ergo Bow Switch: Occasional, 133.7 lb, Two Hands, 35 in, Neutral Cylinder.
  • Pulling - Pin Lifter: Occasional, 86 lb, Either, 25 in, Neutral Cylinder.
  • Pulling - Wheel Brake Tank Car: Occasional, 129.3 lb, Right, 36 in, Neutral Hook.
  • Pulling - Wheel Brake Hopper Car: Occasional, 136.2 lb, Right, 36 in, Neutral Hook.
  • Pulling - Ground Switch: Occasional, 46.8 lb, Two Hands, 5 in, Supinated Cylinder.
  • Pulling - Derail: Occasional, 57.5 lb, Two Hands, 7 in, Pronated Cylinder.
  • Pulling - Ergo Bow Switch: Occasional, 75.1 lb, Two Hands, 35 in, Neutral Cylinder.
  • Pulling - High Stand Switch: Occasional, 87 lb, Two Hands, 36 in, Pronated Cylinder.
  • Pulling - Align Knuckle: Occasional, 160.4 lb, Two Hands, 35 in, Neutral Hook.
• Grip & Pinch:
  • Hand Grip - Hose Coupling Grip: Occasional, 47 lb, Left, Neutral, 3 Hand Grip.
  • Hand Grip - Hose Coupling Grip: Occasional, 47 lb, Right, Neutral, 3 Hand Grip.
• Upper Body:
  • Reaching - Below Knee: Occasional, extending hand(s) and arm(s) below knee level.
  • Reaching - Over Shoulder: Occasional, extending hand(s) and arm(s) above shoulder level.
  • Reaching - Knee to Shoulder: Occasional, extending hand(s) and arm(s) between knee and shoulder level.
  • Handling - Both: Frequent, seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hands.
  • Fingering - Fine Motor Manipulation: Frequent, picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers.
  • Cervical Flexion/Extension: Occasional, flexing and/or extending at the cervical spine.
  • Rotation - Cervical: Occasional, rotating at the cervical spine.
  • Rotation - Thoracic & Lumbar: Occasional, rotating at the thoracic and lumbar spine.
• Lower Body:
  • Sitting: Occasional, remaining in a seated position.
  • Standing: Frequent, remaining on one’s feet in an upright position without moving about.
  • Walking: Frequent, moving about on foot.
  • Climbing: Occasional, ascending or descending between two points.
  • Balancing: Occasional, maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.
  • Stooping: Occasional, bending body forward by bending spine at the waist.
  • Kneeling - Two Knees: Occasional, bending legs at knees to come to rest on one or both knees.
  • Crouching/Squatting: Occasional, bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.
• Other Physical Demands:
  • Vision: Per FRA Requirements.
  • Hearing: Per FRA Requirements.

Occasional: 1-33% of a usual and customary workday. Frequent: 34-66% of a usual and customary workday. Constant: 67-100% of a usual and customary workday. Not all tasks required at each location. Position and physical demand is representative, but individualized assessment may be necessary.