Locomotive Engineer - COASTER

Coaster Locomotive Engineer

Under the direction of the Manager of Train Operations, the COASTER Locomotive Engineer is responsible for providing safe, efficient and customer-friendly passenger transportation by ensuring the safe operation of locomotives, complying with train orders, wayside signals, Positive Train Control (PTC) procedures, railroad operating rules, special instructions, federal, state, and local regulations. Rate of pay is subject to Union Contract Negotiations.

This position is distinguished by its responsibility for the provision of passenger transportation by ensuring execution of the safe operation of locomotives. This position is required to obtain and maintain qualification under both 49 CFR 240 and 242 as a Locomotive Engineer and a Conductor (if hired on/after June 9, 2017). This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and will participate in a random testing pool under those guidelines.

This position reports to the Manager of Train Operations but will also take direction from the Supervisor of Operations-COASTER. S/he has no direct supervisory responsibility. Further, this position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted.

Normal working conditions for this position are in an operational field setting, including the COASTER Operations & Maintenance Facility, onboard the COASTER trains, at rail stations, and anywhere along the COASTER railroad right of way. Individuals in this position must be able to work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries, wear protective equipment including hearing protection, safety-toe boots, safety glasses and other Personal Protective Equipment items as assigned by NCTD. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants facilities, and other locations as required.

Examples of Duties

• Fulfills the District's mission to provide safe, reliable, and user-friendly public transit services for the COASTER rail mode. Emphasis is on providing high-quality, customer-friendly services, that reflect unified operations throughout the District.
• Inspect locomotive for operational readiness by making Federal Railroad Administration and District required checks and tests; document on pre-trip inspection checklists.
• Operate a passenger train consist in a safe and proficient manner, understanding air brake and train handling principles.
• Apply knowledge of territory including, terrain, grades, curves, and grade crossings in order to give prescribed warning signals and to otherwise operate the train in a safe manner.
• Comply with train orders, train signals, radio communications and railroad rules and regulations, and compliance with all DOT and FRA rules and regulations.
• Observe track to detect obstructions and to anticipate operational problems.
• Diagnose minor malfunctions and perform minor maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure ongoing safe and efficient operations.
• Report to Operations Control Center by radio to give or receive information and instructions concerning stops, delays, or service changes.
• Assist in response to passenger medical emergencies on board trains.
• Ensure passenger safety and situational awareness during any delays or disruptions to service due to emergencies, mechanical issues, etc., in accordance with applicable NCTD Standard Operating Procedures.
• Promote compliance with NCTD Rider Guide Rules of Riding, Ordinances, and any other applicable NCTD Policies and Procedures.
• Complete applicable reports and any other required documentation as needed based on the specific nature of any incident or issue that occurs while on duty.
• Perform fare checks and issue citations for violations of the regional fare policy (if dual qualification as Conductor is required per Union agreement).
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience operating a locomotive within the immediate 12 month period prior to hire.
• Basic mechanical skills to perform simple procedures and repairs.

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.

Certificates/Licenses

• Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver's license, Class C, with less than six (6) points in the preceding 36-month period and no DUIs in the prior seven (7) years.
• Must have and be able to maintain 49 CFR 240/242 Engineer/Conductor Qualification including color vision and hearing acuity.
• Must be able to become GCOR Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.
• Maintain compliance with the District's policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.

General Requirements

• Knowledge of U.S. Federal, State, local, and rail transit industry safety, operations, mechanical, and maintenance procedures, standards, and practices.
• Able to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public.
• Must have strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to successfully interact with individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds through excellent communication, teambuilding, and customer service skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to gather, organize, and analyze facts and data.
• Demonstrated use of discretion and judgment in execution of duties.
• Must be able to manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities.
• Able to respond in-person to system emergencies and system problems on any shift and under any weather or time-of-day circumstances.

Supplemental Information

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions, and lift equipment up to 50 pounds on a periodic basis. The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information. The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way. The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals. The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.

Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.
• Ability to operate a 2-way radio.