Engineer/Conductor - OR

Position Summary

The Engineer/Conductor oversees the train, freight, and crew: operates track switches, couples, and uncouples cars and places cars to facilitate loading and unloading, places cars and engines in rail yards and on the main railroad; operates trains safely by complying with operating rules and train handling policies to transport freight in a satisfactory manner. Executes the mechanical operation of the train, train speed, and handling. Ensures clear communication with dispatcher and track authority; receives, relays, or acts upon oral, written, or radio instructions from dispatcher, yardmaster or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad cars and/or a train.

Essential Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operation, and the FRAMove trains safely in the yards and over roads
• Manipulate throttle and brake controls; interprets gauges and controls
• Operate valves and switches both inside and outside of 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 surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety
• Review instructions from Trainmaster and discuss with train crew
• Coordinate execution of railcar switch list
• Communicate with other parties in the yard using proper hand signals and/or radio communication protocol
• Adhere to directions from conductors and brakemen
• Conduct the movement of rail cars and train movements; signal crew member(s) for movement of the engine or train using lantern, hand and flag signals, or radio to indicate when to start, stop, and back-up or set and release air brakes
• Observe, interpret, and relay arm, lantern, or radio signals and all other indications affecting movement of a train
• Operate track switches (visually checks switch condition and direction) to change the direction of the engine or cars within yard limits or on the main railroad; may apply or release hand brakes to switch or perform other duties
• Read and understand the book of rules, timetables, bulletins, train orders, waybills, placards, safety instructions, and other written or printed material
• Prepare required daily reports, switch lists (manually or with a computer), and fill out forms including train orders
• Inspect the condition of the train and equipment in movement and while stationary
• May 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

Other Duties

• 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
• Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime and various shift work
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

Required Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• High School Diploma/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 test
• Comply with all new and outstanding railroad instructions regarding the operation of the train
• Read, comprehend and comply with published rules, procedures and manuals, inspection checklists, government regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, memos 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 all level of employees, and business associates in a clear concise and professional manner
• Demonstrate problem solving and troubleshooting skills resulting in effective resolution
• Professional integrity and accountability
• Work in fast-paced, collaborative environment

Preferred Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Previous experience in Rail Transportation, Supply Chain Logistics, Manufacturing and/or Oil & Gas industries
• Preferred Certifications And Licenses

Physical Requirements

• Strength Occ Freq Cons Weight/ Force Side Height From Height To Lifting - Knuckle X 85 lb Two Hands 0 in 46 in
• Strength Occ Freq Cons Weight/ Force Side Rotation Grip Pattern Pushing - Auto Rack Brake X 83 lb Two Hands 67.5 in Neutral Cylinder Pushing - Ergo Bow Switch X 133.7 lb Two Hands 35 in Neutral Cylinder Pulling - Pin Lifter X 86 lb Either 25 in Neutral Cylinder Pulling - Wheel Brake Tank Car X 129.3 lb Right 36 in Neutral Hook Pulling - Wheel Brake Hopper Car X 136.2 lb Right 36 in Neutral Hook Pulling - Ground Switch X 46.8 lb Two Hands 5 in Supinated Cylinder Pulling - Derail X 57.5 lb Two Hands 7 in Pronated Cylinder Pulling - Ergo Bow Switch X 75.1 lb Two Hands 35 in Neutral Cylinder Pulling - High Stand Switch X 87 lb Two Hands 36 in Pronated Cylinder Pulling - Align Knuckle X 160.4 lb Two Hands 35 in Neutral Hook Grip & Pinch Occ Freq Cons Weight/ Force Side Rotation Grip Setting/Type Hand Grip - Hose Coupling Grip X 47 lb Left Neutral 3 Hand Grip - Hose Coupling Grip X 47 lb Right Neutral 3
• Cervical Flexion/Extension X Flexing and/or extending at the cervical spine.
• Cervical Rotation X Rotating at the cervical spine.
• Thoracic & Lumbar Rotation X Rotating at the thoracic and lumbar spine.
• Sitting X Remaining in a seated position.
• Standing X Remaining on one’s feet in an upright position without moving about.
• Walking X Moving about on foot.
• Climbing X Ascending or descending between two points.
• Balancing X Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.
• Stooping X Bending body forward by bending spine at the waist.
• Kneeling - Two Knees X Bending legs at knees to come to rest on one or both knees.
• Crouching/Squatting X Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.