Traveling Engineer / Conductor

Position Summary

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. The incumbent will travel to other company locations throughout the Continental U.S. to perform their duties when business needs arise, while maintaining their current location as their primary. 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
  
  

Preferred Certifications And Licenses

• None
  
  

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
  
  

TRAVEL

• Will require in-state and out-of-state travel and overnight stay in some circumstances
  
  

Physical Requirements

Strength

Frequency

Weight/ Force

Side

Parameters

Occ

Freq

Cons

Height From

Height To

Lifting - Knuckle

X

85 lb

Two Hands

0 in

46 in

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

Frequency

Weight/ Force

Parameters

Occ

Freq

Cons

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

Frequency

Description

Occ

Freq

Cons

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

Picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers.

Cervical Flexion/Extension

X

Flexing and/or extending at the cervical spine.

Rotation - Cervical

X

Rotating at the cervical spine.

Rotation - Thoracic & Lumbar

X

Rotating at the thoracic and lumbar spine.

Lower Body

Frequency

Description

Occ

Freq

Cons

Sitting

X

Remaining in a seated position.

Standing

X

Remaining on one’s feet in an upright position without moving about.

Walking

X

Moving about on foot.

Climbing

X

Ascending or descending between two points.

Balancing

X

Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.

Stooping

X

Bending body forward by bending spine at the waist.

Kneeling - Two Knees

X

Bending legs at knees to come to rest on one or both knees.

Crouching/Squatting

X

Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.

Other Physical Demands

Frequency

Type/Position/Description

Occ

Freq

Cons

Vision

X

Per FRA Requirements

Hearing

X

Per FRA Requirements

• Occ = Occasional; defined as 1-33% of a usual and customary workday.
• Freq = Frequent; defined as 34-66% of a usual and customary workday.
• Cons = Constant; defined as 67-100% of a usual and customary workday.
• Not all tasks required at each location. Position and physical demand is representative, but individualized assessment may be necessary.