Engineer / Conductor

Engineer/Conductor

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

• None

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

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 -