Assistant Conductor Trainee

Job Description

Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION’S ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assistant Conductor/Conductor Duties – The Assistant Conductor/Conductor performs groundwork such as lining switches; operating derails; protecting movements; applying/releasing/testing brakes; coupling/uncoupling cars; opening, aligning and carrying coupler knuckles; connecting air hoses; installing, removing and/or moving telemetry devices; flagging crossings, opening/closing gates; and assisting the Engineer in positioning the train by signaling and transmitting of information to the Engineer. The position is responsible for safe delivery of all freight carried by the train and for preparation and communication of records and data. The position may also supply, inspect and perform minor repairs on locomotives, cars, and other equipment and perform other duties as assigned. The position is responsible for the safe performance of duties in compliance with all applicable government regulations, Company rules and policies, and safe job procedures.

• The Conductor position supervises and coordinates the activities of train crews. The Assistant Conductor assists in these duties.
• Performs groundwork such as lining switches; locking and unlocking derail devices; protecting movements, applying/releasing/testing brakes (securing cars/train); coupling/uncoupling cars; opening, aligning draw bars, opening, installing and carrying coupler knuckles; connecting/disconnecting air hoses; installing, removing and/or moving telemetry devices; flagging crossings; opening/closing gates; and assisting the Engineer in positioning the train by signaling and transmitting of information to the Engineer.
• Responsible for safe delivery of all freight carried by the train and for preparation and communication of records and data.
• Responsible for the safe performance of duties and compliance with applicable government regulations, company rules, and safe job procedures.
• Notifies Engineer of switching orders and which cars are to be moved to specified locations, using electronic systems, radio, or telephone; or verbal or hand signals.
• Receives, delivers, prepares and/or transmits reports, waybills, car placement information, bills of lading, switch lists and other information and data via electronic systems, phone and/or written reports.
• Supervises and assists in making up train, picking up cars, delivering cars, classifying, and switching cars.
• Notifies the dispatcher or designated manager(s) of all incidents including damage to cars and lading, defective equipment and incidents involving railroad employees or third parties.
• Inspects and removes snow, mud and/or debris from turnouts and flangeways, and ensures alignment of switch points.
• Inspects cars (including cabooses, if applicable) and locomotives including couplings, air hoses, air pressure, brakes, trucks, rigging, load securement, and general condition. Reports all problems or defects to Engineer and designated managers.
• Performs minor repairs to cars (including cabooses, if applicable) and locomotives, including couplers, air hoses, brake shoes, bearings, and other equipment.
• Assists other workers engaged in maintenance and repair of cars (including cabooses, if applicable) and locomotives.
• Rides on locomotive or cars to observe track, switches, signals, and crossings. Also confirms signal aspects with Engineer while riding in locomotive.
• Trains and coaches crew members on safe and efficient work practices and rules compliance.
• Ensures locomotives (and cabooses and highway vehicles if used in the course of work) are supplied with fuel, consumables, proper tools, equipment, and safety equipment. Services and supplies as necessary.
• Assists other railroad crews or the crews of foreign railroads operating on railroad property. May be assigned to operate a highway vehicle to assist railroad crews or the crews of foreign railroads operating on railroad property.
• Displays warning signals, such as flares, flags, or lanterns, during potentially hazardous or emergency situations.
• Contacts and interacts with customers as deemed appropriate by Railroad.
• Supports and assists Engineer and other employees in completion of duties.
• Relieves other employees.
• Safely operates company vehicles. Conducts vehicle inspections per Company policies and procedures. Services and supplies company vehicles as needed.
• Must understand and adhere to company rules and policies, applicable FRA, TSA, and other agency regulations, and safe work rules and procedures.
• Determines that subordinates/peers are familiar with their duties and ascertains extent of experience and knowledge of the rules. Job briefs and instructs on proper, safe and efficient performance of work including identification of risks.
• Performs duties listed in the attached Job Task Analysis and incorporated herein.
• Any of the functions/duties of the Assistant Conductor/Conductor may be performed by other qualified persons when necessary or appropriate and in compliance with the rules to achieve the safe, efficient performance of service to the railroad’s customers.
• The Conductor may also perform Engineer duties as described herein if certified in compliance with Federal Railroad Administration regulatory requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Previous railroad operations experience is not required. To be considered, candidates must have experience in at least one of the following items: relevant U.S. military experience, experience in a trade (welder, machinist, etc.), in an outdoor job (construction, laborer, etc.), as a CDL-A or B truck driver, warehousing and/or heavy equipment operation. Associates degree is preferred.
• Any employment offer for this position is contingent on results of pre-employment, interview(s), various aptitude tests, background check, physical capabilities test, pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, and a pre- employment medical exam.
• Conductors and Assistant Conductors are subject to both Company and Federal drug and alcohol programs, which include periodic random and incident-related drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance with applicable regulations (note that use some controlled substances that are legal under certain state laws are prohibited under Company procedures and federal law).
• Knowledge and understanding of and compliance with all operating rules, safety rules and safe work procedures, applicable FRA, TSA and other government regulations, and all company rules, policies and procedures are required.
• Required to pass company and regulatory certification requirements and periodic examinations and performance metrics.
• Ability to give and interpret hand signals, track flags, and signals.
• Excellent communication and decision-making skills are required.
• Vision, color, and hearing acuity as specified in 49 CFR Part 242 and/or other applicable regulations.
• Ability to read and speak English clearly. Ability to read and transmit information via multiple media including written, radio and computer equipment.
• Required to have phone access to receive calls and work notification from Railroad.
• Requires regular and timely attendance; work may be on a 24 hour on call basis 7 days a week consistent and in accordance with FRA regulatory requirements and Company policy.
• Ability to react/adapt to changing environment and respond effectively and safely in emergency situations.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• To become an Assistant Conductor, the new hire trainee has to pass the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) Assistant Conductor Certification Test.
• All Assistant Conductors have to pass the LIRR Book of Rules test and GCOR Certification.
• Assistant Conductor and Conductor certification and periodic recertification consistent with federal and state regulations
• Assistant Conductor must successfully promote to Conductor and then to Engineer within timeframe set forth by the railroad and consistent with applicable labor agreement.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license; CDL is preferred, but not required.

• Works both inside and outside.
• May be subject to various temperatures and conditions which may include extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, and snow.
• Exposure to high noise level, moving mechanical parts, and moving rail and other heavy equipment.
• Exposure to dust, fumes, gases, oil, and grease.
• May be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.
• May require wearing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to steel-toe boots, ear and eye protection, high visibility wear, etc.
• Elevated surfaces, slopes, and uneven surfaces including ballast.

Once fully through the training process and promoted to Conductor there is a $1500 Bonus.

Benefits: We offer Medical, dental and vision coverage, group life insurance, optional extra insurance plans, paid time off, holiday pay, vacation days and personal days, company perks, etc. ( A “Benefits at a Glance” document will be included with interview invitations)

Retirement Plan: 401(k) and Railroad Retirement Pension.

INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Job descriptions assist organizations in ensuring that the hiring process is fairly administered and that qualified employees are selected. They are also essential to an effective appraisal system and related promotion, transfer, layoff, and termination decisions. Well-constructed job descriptions are an integral part of any effective compensation system.

All descriptions have been reviewed to ensure that only essential functions and basic duties have been included. Peripheral tasks, only incidentally related to each position, have been excluded. Requirements, skills, and abilities included have been determined to be the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements delineated be interpreted as all-inclusive.

Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the organization.

Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its

status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Our interview session consists of 4 parts:

Company orientation: will do an introduction of our company, the benefits, the Assistant Conductor job duties, and drug & alcohol policy.

LIRR Definitions and Signals exams: Candidates will be tested on definitions and signals. This will gauge study habits and readiness for the official exam. Study materials will be included in the interview email so that you can prepare for the test.

Computer assessment test: this test is to evaluates safety awareness, railroad lifestyle compatibility, and cognitive skills. Instructions will be provided.

Applicant individual interview.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.