Switchman

Essential Responsibilities

• Moves trains safely in the yards and over roads
• Operates track switches, inspects equipment on cars and uses radio communications to control train movement
• Performs inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and installation of locomotive mechanical systems, air equipment and electrical systems, and equipment such as: diesel engine, motors, generators, wheels, air brakes, wiring and lighting systems, and other mechanical and electrical components
• Aids and instructs train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches and make minor repairs to railcars: including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses
• Communicates with Locomotive Engineers and other parties in the yard using proper hand signals and/or radio communication protocol
• Conducts the movement of rail cars and train movements; signals crew members 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
• Observes, interprets, and relays arm, lantern, or radio signals and all other indications affecting movement of a train
• Operates 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
• Safely and efficiently operates locomotive including full mobility in seated position facing forward and to the side
• Moves throttle and brake controls; interprets gauges and controls
• Operates valves and switches both inside and outside of the cab including applying and releasing handbrakes
• Adheres to directions from conductors and brakemen
• Works independently and/or with train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and service locomotive including brake shoes, oil, sand and fuel
• Ensures compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operation and the FRA if applicable
• Operates spike pullers, spike drivers to perform construction and maintenance tasks associated with railroad tracks
• Raises rail using track jack to facilitate removal and installation of railroad ties
• Drills holes with power drill through rails for bolt insertion
• Operates track-wrench machine to tighten and/or loosen bolts at rail joints
• Operates rail saw to cut rails into specified lengths
• Drives company vehicles
• Completes inspection and repair reports according to company and FRA specifications and guidelines
• Completes periodic inspection per FRA standard and frequency

Other Duties

• 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
• Maintain DOT qualifications
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Required Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• 18 years of age or older
• Operate hand tools, including: wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, measuring tapes etc.
• Operate power tools and hydraulic equipment, including: portable grinders, rail saws, spike pullers, track wrench machines, power drills, track jack
• Apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed, but uninvolved written or verbal instructions
• Read and follow safety manuals, operating and maintenance instructions, test materials, drawings, schematics, and procedure manuals, gauges and dials on precision measuring tools
• Perform basic shop math concepts to calculate figures and amounts such as: area, circumference, length, distance, and volume
• Write legibly to complete routine reports, and complete required testing
• Familiar with and adhere to track Safety Standards in work completion
• Pass written examinations on the safe operations of trains and maintenance of way standards
• Familiar with Roadway Workers’ Protection (RWP) Effectively communicate with all levels of employees and business associates in a clear, concise and professional manner
• Basic computer skills
• 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
• High School Diploma/GED
• Backhoe operation experience

Preferred Certifications And Licenses

• Valid State Driver’s License – pass DOT medical certification and Drivers Qualification File, pass DOT Drug & Alcohol testing if applicable

Physical Requirements

• Strength Occ Freq Cons Weight / Force Height From Height To Lifting - "136-pound Plate" X 18.9 lb Two Hands 0 in 40 in Lifting - Lining Bar X 26 lb Two Hands 0 in 40 in Lifting - Claw Bar X 30.7 lb Two Hands 0 in 60 in Lifting - Impact Wrench X 31 lb Two Hands 0 in 40 in Lifting - Portable Derail X 44.3 lb Two Hands 0 in 40 in Lifting - Track Jack X 48.5 lb Two Hands 0 in 40 in Lifting - Compromise Bar (136/115) X 53.8 lb Two Hands 0 in 40 in Lifting - 136-pound Angle Bar X 56.1 lb Two Hands 0 in 40 in Lifting - 136-pound Angle Bar X 58.8 lb Two Hands 0 in 40 in Lifting - Tools, Parts and Equipment X 65 lb Two Hands 0 in 60 in
• Strength Occ Freq Cons Weight/ Force Side Height Rotation Grip Pattern Hand Spread Pushing - Manual Track Wrench X 106 lb Two Hands 35 in Neutral Cylinder Pushing - Spike Puller/Claw Bar X 118.8 lb Two Hands Waist Pronated Hook Pushing - Ergo Bow Switch X 133.7 lb Two Hands 35 in Neutral Cylinder Pulling - Hydraulic Spike Driver X 60.5 lb Two Hands 26 in Pronated Cylinder 13 in Pulling - Hydraulic Spike Puller X 63.9 lb Two Hands 34 in Pronated Cylinder 10 in 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 - Rail Turner 39-foot Rail (90 lb) X 88.3 lb Two Hands Waist Neutral Cylinder Pulling - 10-Foot Tie with Tie Tongs X 119.1 lb Two Hands 30 in Neutral Hook Pulling - Drag 10-Foot Tie with Tie Tongs X 174.7 lb Two Hands 25 in Neutral Hook Upper Body Occ Freq Cons Description Reaching - Below Knee X Extending hand(s) and arm(s) below the level of the knee. Reaching - Over Shoulder X Extending hand(s) and arm(s) above shoulder level. Reaching - Knee to Shoulder X Extending hand(s) and arm(s) between knee and shoulder level. Handling - Both X Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hands. Fingering - Fine Motor Manipulation X Picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers. Cervical Flexion/Extension X Flexing and/or extending at the cervical spine. Rotation - Cervical X Rotating at the cervical spine. Rotation - Thoracic & Lumbar X Rotating at the thoracic and lumbar spine. Lower Body Occ Freq Cons Dist. Description 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. Walk on uneven surfaces. 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.