Train Conductor

Passenger Conductor Trainee - San Luis Obispo

Embark on an exciting career as a Passenger Conductor Trainee, where the open rails become your workplace, and every shift takes you somewhere new. In this fast-paced, hands-on role, you will move with the journeysupporting train operations, ensuring safety, and working as part of a close-knit crewideal for adaptable, safety-driven individuals ready to learn on the move and deliver a confident, professional experience for every passenger.

As a Trainee, you will support safe and efficient train operations by performing both customer-facing and physically demanding duties. Responsibilities include assisting passengers, managing service disruptions with calm and professionalism, conducting safety checks, and supporting the Conductor in overseeing onboard operations and on-train staff. Strong communication skills and the ability to think and act independently are essential, as you will interact regularly with crew members, dispatchers, and customers in real time.

Trainees may be assigned to either on-corridor or off-corridor locations. On-corridor assignments are located on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor (NEC), the main passenger rail line that connects major cities such as Washington, DC, New York City, and Boston. This is a high-activity area where passenger trains operate frequently throughout the day. Trainees working on the corridor support daily train operations by performing hands-on duties in rail yards and near active tracks. These duties include preparing trains for service (putting rail cars together in the correct order), operating track switches that guide trains from one track to another, connecting and disconnecting rail cars, working safely around diesel locomotives, and occasionally performing tasks underneath rail equipment as part of inspections or setup.

Off-corridor assignments are located outside the Northeast Corridor, typically supporting facilities that serve Amtrak's long-distance and regional routes. All trainee positionson-corridor and off-corridorare physically demanding. The work requires climbing on and off rail equipment, moving between rail cars, bending, reaching, walking on uneven surfaces, riding alongside slow-moving equipment when required, and lifting or carrying tools and equipment. Trainees must always remain alert to their surroundings and strictly follow safety instructions while working in rail yards, on station platforms, and along railroad right-of-way areas. Most work is performed outdoors and may take place in all types of weather conditions. Safety is always the top priorityyou will be expected to follow operating rules, remain vigilant around moving equipment, and make smart decisions in complex, high-risk environments to protect yourself, your team, and passengers.

Equally important is your commitment to customer service, bringing a friendly, calm, and professional approach, especially during high-stress situations, such as service disruptions. If you are adaptable, eager to learn, and ready to thrive in an on-call, fast-paced setting, this is your opportunity to grow in a career built on safety and service.

This is a union position, and membership is required. This position requires a high degree of flexibility and resilience, as Trainees work on an extra board with no set schedules or shift swap capability, may be assigned long and variable shifts, including those exceeding 18 hours or spanning multiple daysand must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays, and extended periods away from home. This position is physically demanding and requires the ability to stand and remain on your feet for extended periods throughout the workday. Applicants must possess strong analytical skills to troubleshoot equipment and understand and comply with safety regulations and emergency procedures. The role requires individuals to have clear verbal and written communication, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail to accurately document delays, incidents, passenger impacts, and mechanical issues. This role requires individuals to possess problem-solving and conflict-management skills to not only arrange contingency solutions during service disruptions, but also ensure orderly, compliant passenger conduct.

New hires must be willing and able to attend a comprehensive training program lasting seven (7) to eight (8) weeks in Wilmington, Delaware. This training requires full attendance and may involve extended time away from home, particularly for candidates who live outside the Northeast Corridor. This program uniquely blends classroom instruction with hands-on fieldwork, equipping you with the essential knowledge and skills necessary for success in the railway industry.

Upon completion of training, new conductors are placed on the extra board and must demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to shift work. Assignments are typically communicated approximately three (3) hours in advance, and employees must report to the station no later than 40 minutes prior to departure. Work schedules frequently include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, two (2) years of full-time verifiable work experience and/or college coursework (combination accepted), a current and valid driver's license, and the ability to live within a 2-hour commute of the Crew Base. Preferred qualifications include experience leading or supporting others in a work or team setting, customer service experience involving cash handling, and basic mechanical experience/knowledge.