Train Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Mendocino Railway is the owner/operator of passenger and freight railroads including the California Western Railroad (CWR) / Skunk Train   and the   River Fox Train .  The world-famous Skunk Train is a standard gauge passenger railroad that was founded in 1885, and operates 40 miles between Fort Bragg and Willits, in Mendocino County, California. 

The Skunk Train   is looking for a Locomotive Engineers  to join our team. As the Engineer, you’re responsible for the safe, efficient, and professional operation of a locomotive and/or train. This is a hands-on and often guest-facing position requiring strong situational awareness, sound judgement, teamwork, and adherence to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, other applicable laws, operating rules, and company safety standards.

The Train Engineer is essential to delivering a safe, professional, welcoming passenger rail experience. This position is intended for candidates who already hold current FRA Engineer certification and are interested in continuing or advancing their career in passenger railroad operations. There is an opportunity to train in freight operations.

This is a full-time position and includes working evenings, weekends, and holidays. 

Train Operations & Safety

• Currently licensed Locomotive Engineers safely operating locomotives and trains in accordance with applicable certification, FRA regulations, company operating rules, timetable instructions, and established safety procedures.
• Work closely with, take instruction and direction from senior crew members, conductors, dispatchers, and the management team to ensure the safe movement of passengers and trains.
• Maintain continuous awareness and familiarity of train location, speed, operating conditions, operating practices, signals, track conditions, other equipment, passengers, crew members, and other potential obstructions and or hazards, and all safety procedures.
• Observe and appropriately respond to signals, signs, operating instructions, speed restrictions, and changing conditions.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, operating irregularities, incidents, injuries, or other safety concerns in accordance with Federal and company procedures.
• Maintain all required FRA certifications and qualifications applicable to Conductors and Engineers including recurrent training, testing, certification, and qualification activities.

Switching, Equipment & Inspections

• Perform switching of passenger and freight cars as required.
• Complete required air brake tests, inspections, and other pre-departure and operational safety checks in accordance with FRA regulations and company rules.
• Verify that required inspections, tests, and safety procedures have been completed before train movement or passenger service and report any defects or mechanical concerns.
• Couple and uncouple rail equipment and assist with the movement and positioning of locomotives and railcars. 
• Coordinate and assist with maintenance, mechanical, and operations personnel when equipment issues require additional attention; assist with troubleshooting and maintenance within training and qualifications.

Passenger, Communication, and Experience

• Interact in a professional and friendly manner with passengers/guests including, but not limited to, collecting tickets, assisting with passenger boarding and unloading to ensure all enter and exit trains safely, providing clear information for a welcoming onboard experience.
• Monitor passenger activity and respond appropriately to situations that could affect guest or crew safety.
• Maintain clear and timely communication regarding train movements, passenger conditions, equipment issues, and operational changes.
• Use radios and other communication equipment appropriately and in accordance with established procedures.

  Work Schedule & Conditions

• Regularly scheduled shifts may last up to 12 hours.
• Work weeks may include up to 6 days, including weekends and holidays.
• Work is performed in an active railroad environment around locomotives, railcars, tracks, moving equipment, passengers, and other operational hazards.
• Position involves safety-sensitive duties in a dynamic railroad operating environment.
• Travel to company locations and project sites as required.

• Must currently hold FRA Locomotive Engineer certification (49 CFR Part 240) in good standing.
• Ability to receive, understand, communicate and follow verbal and written instructions in the English language.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong situational awareness and ability to remain focused while working in a dynamic, safety-sensitive environment.
• Ability to clearly read, write, speak, hear, and understand English in person and when using radios, electronic devices, and other communication equipment.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively to changing operating conditions.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a train crew and communicate professionally with coworkers, leadership, and guests.
• Strong commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and established operating procedures.
• Ability to provide professional and courteous service in a guest-facing environment.
• Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Must possess a valid state-issued Driver’s License or be able to obtain one within 60 days of employment.
• Pre-employment DOT drug screen and criminal background check; No DUI/DWI conviction within the previous five (5) years, per 49 CFR Part 240.111.
• Must be reliable, punctual, and professional in appearance and demeanor.
• Must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Must meet all FRA vision and hearing requirements, including the ability to:

(Vision and hearing standards per 49 CFR Parts 240.121 and 242.117)

• See and interpret hand signals from near and far
• Distinguish red, blue, green, yellow, and white colors
• Judge speed and distance of moving objects
• See at night and hear auditory signals
• Hear and appropriately respond to required auditory signals and communications.

• Ability to work outdoors in extreme and all-weather conditions.
• Familiarity with FRA rules and railroad operating practices (training provided; no prior experience required).
• Basic mechanical or technical experience preferred.

• Ability to stand for extended periods and walk on uneven surfaces (train platforms, gravel, etc.).
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs. safely.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, push, pull, and use hand tools.
• Comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor environments and around moving rail equipment (with provided safety training).
• Must be able to perform duties safely while on the tracks and a moving train.

• Employment is full-time and includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, U.S. Railroad Retirement, paid holidays, paid sick leave, and paid time off.

Mendocino Railway is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disabled status or any other protected class.