Switching Specialist

About the role

This position is responsible for switching and railcar movement via coordination with locomotive or track mobile operator. This position directs the locomotive operator through a set of radio and hand signals to move and place rolling stock throughout the CFRS facility.

Responsibilities

• Learn and adhere to all CFRS safety procedures.
• Learn the basic flow and logistics of railroad industry and repair business.
• Successfully complete the CFRS switching training/safety policy program.
• Keep work area in a clean and orderly manner so as to comply with CFRS, OSHA and environmental rules and regulations.
• Responsible for following written and verbal directions, while effectively working in a team environment.
• Responsible for the safe and efficient movement of rolling stock.
• Create written reports of all cars handled to and from railroad, indicating car, condition, proper identification of cars and time received.
• Couple and uncouple rolling stock, throw switches, set and release hand brakes, and lace railcar brake connections.
• Facilitate and comply with proper air brake charging technique. Signal locomotive / track mobile operator for switching and spotting of cars throughout facility in accordance with instructions from supervision.
• Cookordinate with shop leads or supervisors to spot cars in work departments.
• Identify rail non-conformities and report and/or repair. Perform minor repairs such as tightening rail spikes and adjusting switches.
• Understand and follow site specific American Association Railroad – Federal Railroad Association (AAR-FRA) rules.
• Maintain and update logbooks and time sheets daily.
• Perform basic locomotive/ track mobile and track maintenance and assist with daily maintenance inspection of equipment.
• Perform fueling and lubrication of equipment as necessary.
• Set up and operate various hand and power tools.
• Follow work instructions and work within a self-directed work team.
• Make use of proper switching commands and language.
• Know facility layout to service as a locomotive / track mobile operator and switchman depending on facility demand.
• Operate locomotive and switch mobile to move, switch and spot rolling stock.
• Daily verification of locomotive/ track mobile to ensure engine is in safe operating condition.
• Completion of daily locomotive/track mobile inspection sheet is required.
• Receive, interpret, and act in accordance with Switch Technician signaling (hand and/or radio).
• Operate locomotive in congested areas where a high degree of attention and care is required to prevent accidents and/or facility damage.
• Successfully complete this positions "Education/Formal Training" requirements.
• Wear PPE in appropriate areas.

Qualifications and Experience

• A high school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred, but not required.
• Successfully pass the following courses with an 80% or higher score coordinated by CF Rail Management:
• FRA Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards and Locomotive Inspection
• Basic Principles of Track Maintenance Skills
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work will be performed outdoors and indoors, on and around heavy equipment.
• May be required to work overtime and/or varied shifts to meet the demands of the business.
• Work assignments involve standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing, crawling, and crouching in strained and awkward positions for prolonged periods of time at various heights up to 20 feet.
• Uses hands, legs, and arms to climb vertical ladders to staging or suspended platforms.
• Lifts, carries, and sets up equipment and components that weigh up to 50 lbs.

Benefits

• Includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, including HSA and FSA accounts with employer contributions toward HSA.
• Includes a 100% Company-paid disability and life insurance plans.
• Includes a 401K plan with company match PLUS additional end-of-year funding.
• Provides paid vacation time (tiered based on tenure), as well as personal time, sick days and summer half days for certain roles.
• Provides 10 paid holidays annually.
• Provides paid parental leave for new parents, as well as a monetary gift towards a 529 education account.
• Provides a confidential Employee Assistance Program.
• Provides training and tuition reimbursement.
• Provides community service opportunities, charity match opportunities, employee recognition programs, and many celebrations!