POSITION SUMMARY
The Engineer/Conductor oversees the train, freight, and crew: operates track switches, couples, and uncouples cars and places cars to facilitate loading and unloading, places cars and engines in rail yards and on the main railroad; operates trains safely by complying with operating rules and train handling policies to transport freight in a satisfactory manner. Executes the mechanical operation of the train, train speed, and handling. Ensures clear communication with dispatcher and track authority; receives, relays, or acts upon oral, written, or radio instructions from dispatcher, yardmaster or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad cars and/or a train. Performs work safely, effectively, and efficiently in accordance with company policies and procedures and Federal Railroad Association rules and regulations to meet company objectives.
The Locomotive Engineer/Conductor demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees that result in OmniTRAX’s continued success.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operation, and the FRA
- Move trains safely in the yards and over roads
- Manipulate throttle and brake controls; interprets gauges and controls
- Operate valves and switches both inside and outside of the cab, including applying and releasing handbrakes
- Operate track switches, inspect equipment on cars and use radio communications to control train movement
- 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
- Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety
- Review instructions from Trainmaster and discuss with train crew
- Coordinate execution of railcar switch list
- Communicate with other parties in the yard using proper hand signals and/or radio communication protocol
- Adhere to directions from conductors and brakemen
- Conduct the movement of rail cars and train movements; signal crew member(s) 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
- Observe, interpret, and relay arm, lantern, or radio signals and all other indications affecting movement of a train
- Operate 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
- Read and understand the book of rules, timetables, bulletins, train orders, waybills, placards, safety instructions, and other written or printed material
- Prepare required daily reports, switch lists (manually or with a computer), and fill out forms including train orders
- Inspect the condition of the train and equipment in movement and while stationary
- May couple air and electrical connections between locomotives when making up trains
- Judge speed and distance of moving objects or parts
- Recall information required from work activity
OTHER DUTIES
- Report to work as called on a 24-hour schedule
- 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
- Perform other duties and projects as assigned
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- High School Diploma/GED
- 2-3 years of Train Services experience
- Aptitude in the Transportation field and desire to learn
- Pass post-offer job and health related examinations including: operating rules examination, vision and hearing test
- Comply with all new and outstanding railroad instructions regarding the operation of the train
- Read, comprehend and comply with published rules, procedures and manuals, inspection checklists, government regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, memos and other work-related information
- Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
- Write legibly to complete routine reports and other work documents
- Effectively communicate and demonstrate interpersonal skills with all level of employees, and business associates in a clear concise and professional manner
- Demonstrate problem solving and troubleshooting skills resulting in effective resolution
- Professional integrity and accountability
- Work in fast-paced, collaborative environment
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
- Valid State Driver’s License
- FRA Conductor Certified
- FRA Locomotive Engineer Certified: required post hire
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Previous experience in Rail Transportation, Supply Chain Logistics, Manufacturing and/or Oil & Gas industries
PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by the weather including: snow, rain, heat, and sub-freezing temps; loud noise and fumes from gas, oil and grease
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Strength Occ Freq Cons Weight/ Force Side Height From Height To
Lifting - Knuckle X 85 lb Two Hands 0 in 46 in
Strength Occ Freq Cons Weight/ Force Side Height Rotation Grip Pattern
Pushing - Auto Rack Brake X 83 lb Two Hands 67.5 in Neutral Cylinder
Pushing - Ergo Bow Switch X 133.7 lb Two Hands 35 in Neutral Cylinder
Pulling - Pin Lifter X 86 lb Either 25 in Neutral Cylinder
Pulling - Wheel Brake Tank Car X 129.3 lb Right 36 in Neutral Hook
Pulling - Wheel Brake Hopper Car X 136.2 lb Right 36 in Neutral Hook
Pulling - Ground Switch X 46.8 lb Two Hands 5 in Supinated Cylinder
Pulling – Derail X 57.5 lb Two Hands 7 in Pronated Cylinder
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 - Align Knuckle X 160.4 lb Two Hands 35 in Neutral Hook
Grip & Pinch Occ Freq Cons Weight/ Force Side Rotation Grip Setting/Type
Hand Grip - Hose Coupling Grip X 47 lb Left Neutral 3
Hand Grip - Hose Coupling Grip X 47 lb Right Neutral 3
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 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.
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.
Other Physical Demands Other Physical Demands Occ Freq Cons Type/Position/Description
Vision X Per FRA Requirements
Hearing X Per FRA Requirements
- Occ = Occasional; defined as 1-33% of a usual and customary workday.
- Freq = Frequent; defined as 34-66% of a usual and customary workday.
- Cons = Constant; defined as 67-100% of a usual and customary workday.
** Not all tasks required at each location. Position and physical demand is representative, but individualized assessment may be necessary.
