Railway Conductor Trainee

Salary Range: 32.18 to 39.07 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-hour-wage)

Responsibilities

Responsibilities Include:
Assist the Railway Conductor in the safe and efficient switching of railcars, spotting operations, and revenue train movements.
Operate switches and derails; apply and release hand brakes; couple and uncouple railcars and air hose connections; mount and dismount rail equipment; and perform air brake tests under the direction of a Railway Conductor.
Place railcars at designated customer locations and assist with interchange operations involving Class I railroads.
Communicate with Locomotive Engineers and train crews using standard hand signals, lantern signals, and radio communications to direct train movements, including starting, stopping, and reversing operations.
Learn and apply railroad operating rules, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements while participating in classroom and field training programs.
Maintain routine records and reports, including switch lists, customer requests, and time reports.
Successfully complete required training programs, examinations, and certifications necessary to qualify for advancement to Railway Conductor.
This position is subject to federally regulated safety-sensitive requirements and all applicants shall be required to meet those standards.

Rate of pay is contingent upon qualifications and experience. Terms of the collective bargaining unit shall apply.

Outdoor Conditions: This position is subject to working in severe weather conditions, around noise, fumes and dust. Use of personal protective equipment is required.

Working Conditions: Lifting up to 75 pounds, climbing, squatting, pushing, pulling and walking on uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, and twisting motions. Incumbents in this position will be responsible for safely handling hazardous material shipments in railcars.

Hours

This is a full-time position; subject to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Must be able to report to work 2 hours after notification and be able to work up to 12 hours per shift.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent
No prior railroad experience is necessary, but any work experience in a transportation or logistics environment is beneficial


LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be at least 18 years of age by date of hire
Non-DOT Medical review
Pre-employment DOT drug and alcohol screening
Physical agility test
Valid Washington State Driver’s License at time of appointment, with maintenance thereafter
Department of Homeland Security background check, which must result in the issuance of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within 60 days of appointment, with maintenance thereafter

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Regularly work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold and precipitation; subject to noise, fumes, dust and other environmental hazards

Occasionally perform duties requiring physical exertion, including pushing, pulling and lifting heavy objects up to 80 pounds

Frequently stand / walk for long periods of time; walk on uneven surfaces

Frequently climb, including climbing ladders, climbing onto railcars and onto other equipment

Must meet standards for visual acuity and hearing acuity per §242.105(d) 

Safety equipment, such as ear plugs, leather work boots with a defined heel and full ankle support must be worn as required

Must be able to work varying and irregular schedules 24/7, including on-call shifts, including weekends, nights and holidays, as well as report for duty at a variety of locations that may change frequently

Knowledge & Skills

Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to safety, a strong work ethic, the ability to learn technical procedures, and the willingness to work outdoors in a physically demanding railroad environment. Prior railroad experience is not required; training will be provided.