Primary Responsibilities
1. Safe Locomotive Operation
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Safely operate locomotives during switching, spotting, pulling, pushing, and yard movements.
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Maintain full control of train speed, braking, and positioning to protect personnel, equipment, and infrastructure.
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Obey all instructions from designated ground personnel related to safe locomotive operation.
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Immediately stop operations if unsafe conditions are observed or communicated.
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Exercise sound judgment when handling long consists, grades, curves, and yard congestion.
2. Regulatory Compliance (FRA)
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Maintain current qualification and certification under FRA CFR Part 240 (Locomotive Engineers).
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Comply with Hours of Service (CFR Part 228), Drug & Alcohol Testing (CFR Part 219), and all applicable FRA regulations.
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Participate in required efficiency testing, operational monitoring, recertification, and remedial training as assigned.
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Maintain working knowledge of railroad operating rules, special instructions, and terminal timetables.
3. Communication & Coordination
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Maintain constant, clear radio communication with ground crews, lead operators, and supervisors.
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Properly acknowledge and repeat critical instructions, including:
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Movement authority
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Track designation
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Red Zone establishment and release
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Communicate known restrictions, special handling requirements, or equipment concerns before movement begins.
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Coordinate closely with operations to ensure safe and efficient railcar placement.
4. Red Zone & Personnel Protection
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Immediately place the locomotive in full brakes and neutral when a Red Zone is established.
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Verbally confirm “Set and Centered” prior to personnel accessing railcars or track areas.
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Do not move equipment until the Red Zone has been officially released by the lead operator.
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Treat any Red Zone violation as a serious safety matter subject to corrective action.
5. Equipment Inspection & Care
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Perform required locomotive inspections prior to use and document findings as required.
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Report mechanical defects, damage, or unsafe conditions immediately.
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Operate locomotives in a manner that minimizes wear, damage, and unplanned downtime.
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Do not operate equipment known to be unsafe or out of compliance.
6. Operational Efficiency & Yard Performance
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Support efficient switching, blocking, and spotting of railcars to meet terminal throughput and production goals.
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Minimize delays, re‑handles, and unnecessary movements through effective train handling.
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Maintain awareness of yard layout, track capacity, active work zones, and adjacent operations.
7. Train Handling in High‑Traffic Environments
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Must be comfortable and competent handling long consists, including pulling, pushing, and controlling trains of up to approximately 150 railcars.
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Demonstrate the ability to block, sort, and spot railcars accurately to support terminal operations, unloading sequences, and yard organization.
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Safely perform switching and blocking movements in a busy, active rail yard with multiple simultaneous operations, personnel on the ground, and heavy equipment operating nearby.
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Maintain situational awareness of track occupancy, clearances, radio communications, and hand signals while managing long‑train dynamics.
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Apply proper slack control, braking techniques, and speed management to prevent derailments, run‑ins/run‑outs, product damage, or personnel exposure.
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Coordinate closely with ground crews and supervisors to ensure efficient car placement while maintaining strict compliance with all safety rules.
Training & Qualification Requirements
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Valid FRA Locomotive Engineer certification (CFR Part 240).
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Completion of company locomotive engineer training program.
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Participation in:
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Annual operational monitoring and efficiency testing
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Rules classes and safety training
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Recertification every 36 months or as required
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Successful completion of required hearing, vision, and drug/alcohol compliance programs.
Behavioral & Professional Expectations
Safety Leadership
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Demonstrate a safety‑first mindset at all times.
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Exercise Stop Work Authority when conditions are unsafe.
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Promptly report near misses, incidents, or unsafe acts.
Professional Conduct
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Treat coworkers, contractors, and supervisors with respect.
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Communicate clearly and professionally, especially during high‑risk movements.
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Accept coaching, feedback, and corrective action constructively.
Accountability
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Take ownership of locomotive operation decisions and outcomes.
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Follow all rules and procedures whether supervised or unsupervised.
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Understand that violations of FRA rules or company policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Work Environment & Schedule Expectations
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Work in outdoor, industrial environments under varying weather conditions.
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Ability to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency call‑outs.
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Perform duties around moving trains, railcars, heavy equipment, and industrial operations.
Performance Expectations
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Zero preventable incidents or rule violations.
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Consistent compliance with FRA and company standards.
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Reliable communication, teamwork, and situational awareness.
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Support terminal objectives for safe, efficient, and reliable rail operations.
Acknowledgement
This position operates in a non‑union environment. This RRE does not limit management’s right to assign additional duties consistent with business needs, operational requirements, and regulatory obligations.
