Student Conductor - Hahnville, LA

About the role

Keep the world's supply chain moving as a Student Conductor at Watco. You'll work with managers, peer trainers, and train crews to learn the safe switching of railcars using locomotive power, based on customer requests. Switch crews perform jobs efficiently while following all company and customer safety rules and completing corresponding paperwork at the end of every shift.

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 to apply procedures using good judgment
• Assist in inspection of locomotive(s) before running to verify specified fuel, sand, water, and all other requirements
• Read and interpret switching orders from designated person
• Observe and learn radio and hand signals in yard or in cab and operate locomotive in accordance with company and customer rules and regulations
• Observe and learn arm or lantern signal and move controls to move locomotive backwards or forwards to switch and couple cars
• Receive starting signal and move controls, such as throttle and air brakes, to operate locomotive
• Clearly and effectively communicate with crews, dispatchers, or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information
• Assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved in switching operations
• Turn hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well as apply and release handbrakes
• Observe track to detect potential obstructions
• Assist with inspecting locomotive(s) after running to detect damaged or defective equipment
• Assist with maintaining records, numbers, origin, destination, and cargo of cars switched
• Assist with coordinating activities of switching crew from locomotive cab or other on-site location
• Raise coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars
• Throw track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signals
• Move cars using lanterns, hand signals, or radio
• Connect air hoses to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force
• Sit or ride in locomotive cab to observe signals from other crew members
• Assist with making minor repairs to couplings and air hoses and report any equipment requiring major repairs
• Perform other duties as assigned or required

Qualifications

• Must be able to pass and obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position
• Ability to pass training and required Conductor Certification testing in a reasonable period of time, typically within one year
• Valid driver's license and TWIC card
• Willingness and ability to obtain locomotive engineer certification following conductor certification
• Must be 18 years of age or older with High School or GED equivalent

Pay

$20.00 per hour

Schedule

12-hour rotating shifts between days and nights (2,2,3 schedule). Shift times: 4:30am to 4:30pm and 5:30pm to 5:30am.

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