SUMMARY OF POSITION
The primary function of the Locomotive Engineer is to maintain responsibility over the physical operation and safety of the locomotive. All train crew employees are responsible for strict adherence to safety guidelines and for completing their duties with integrity and professionalism.
This position will also assist in the transloading operations on an as needed basis.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- To always ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA);
- To always review instructions from dispatchers and yardmasters, and discuss with locomotive engineer and train crew;
- To always inspect all equipment on cars prior to departures;
- To accurately receive and transmit information by radio and telephone;
- To accurately read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists;
- To safely 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;
- To safely and professionally work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars;
- To always safely maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety;
- To comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems;
- To safely, quickly, and repeatedly make precise adjustments in moving the controls of a machine or vehicle to exact positions;
- To accurately and quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to visual symbols, signals and displays (sound, light, picture, etc.);
- To safely maintain responsibility for safe and efficient operation of the locomotive;
- To safely perform manipulation of throttle and brake controls as well as interpreting gauges and controls;
- To safely manipulate valves and switches both inside and outside of the cab;
- To safely and efficiently apply and release handbrakes;
- To safely ascend and descend steps and ladders to get on and off the equipment;
- To takes directions from conductors and brakemen;
- To safely perform maintenance services to the locomotive (brake shoes, oil, sand and fuel);
- To always comply with all new and outstanding railroad instructions regarding the operation of the train.;
- To always comply with all federal regulations regarding the operation of the train air brakes; and
- To perform any additional duties as assigned by operations and/or management.
Conductor Specific Responsibilities to Include:
- To safely ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
- To effectively understand and review instructions and effectively communicate these instructions with locomotive engineer and train crew
- To efficiently receive and transmit information by radio and telephone
- To effectively read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists
- To safely assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy coupler knuckles or air brake hoses
- To safely and professionally work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars
- To always maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety
- To comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems
- To quickly and repeatedly make precise adjustments in moving the controls of a machine or vehicle to exact positions
- To quickly and accurately respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to visual symbols, signals and displays sound, light, picture, etc.)
- To always work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
- This position falls under the provisions of the U. S. Railroad Retirement Board
ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Verifiable High School diploma/GED or 2 years relative experience in lieu of degree;
- 18 years of age or older;
- 2 years verifiable work experience and/or college; railroad industry experience strongly preferred;
- Must pass all required assessments.
- Must pass a background screening;
- Federal regulations require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol;
- No driving violations involving alcohol or drugs within the past 3 years;
- Knowledge of and skills in using hand tools, including wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, measuring tapes, etc. and skills in using power tools and hydraulic equipment, including portable grinders, rail saws, spike pullers, track wrench machines, power drills;
- Prefer experience reading and comprehending safety manuals, operating and maintenance instructions, test materials, drawings, schematics, and procedure manuals;
- Must be able to meet physical requirements of the position;
- Position requires flexible work schedule and the need to work overtime on occasion; and
- Must report to work as called on a 24-hour schedule.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Verbal Comprehension – Understands oral and written communications (both general and technical).
Communication Skills – Provides clear instructions/directions. Listens and adheres to operations and management guidance.
Reasoning Skills – Demonstrates high level of skill to effectively use his/her problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
Time Management – Values and manages time effectively. Effectively prioritizes, manages, and organizes workload and broad range of activities.
Excellent Interpersonal Skills – Ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse personalities.
Exceptional Organizational Skills – Demonstrates high level of organization.
Resourcefulness – Ability to find innovate ways to overcome obstacles, problems, and unforeseen/challenging situations.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
Locomotive Engineers must meet and maintain the following physical requirements:
Must meet and maintain color vision requirements as described in the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Regulations; and
Must meet and maintain all hearing requirements as described in the FRA Regulations.
The physical nature of the work will vary from day to day based on operational needs; however, the job requires that the incumbent be able to perform the following non-exhaustive list: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, typing, grasping, handling, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Employees in this position may work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places. Employees will walk long distances over uneven terrain. Heavy work requires occasional lifting, carrying, frequent pushing and pulling of up to or greater than 80 lbs. A wide range of motion is required for throwing ground and waist-level switches. Outdoor position requiring a tolerance to extreme heat, cold and wet conditions. Employees in this position must be able to work outside in all weather conditions. Perform activities in the proximity of moving equipment. Good auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection, accommodation, field of vision and depth perception to successfully perform duties and for general safety. Color vision is necessary for perceiving signals. Employees must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to hearing protection, safety-toe boots, and safety glasses. Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions.
This is a Safety Sensitive Position
Safety is the cornerstone value in our Company. Our employees are expected to live our values on the job in how we work, how we act, and how we create value. Safety is a personal responsibility. We are professionals and our activities must reflect that professionalism. Each team member must demonstrate safety advocacy every day – regardless of their role in the Company. Compliance with safety and operating rules is required and essential to our own safety and that of others.
“The Patriot Way.”
At Patriot, we value our relationships – with our customers, employees, shareholders, communities and other stakeholders. We know that safety, integrity, reliability, ethical behavior and exceptional customer service are critical to building and maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relationships. Everyone at Patriot – from the mailroom to the boardroom – embraces those values. More importantly, as a team, we make it our business to demonstrate them in everything we do. It’s “The Patriot Way.”
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
