Conductor Trainee

Purpose

The Conductor is responsible for the safe and reliable operation of SMART trains. Responsible for courteous and professional interaction with passengers, and inspection of fares.

Notice to Applicants:

This recruitment is set to close on Friday February 14, or once we reach a pool of 30 qualified candidates. Please apply promptly to ensure your application is reviewed.

Position Details:

• Base Hourly Wage: $38.70 per hour.
• There is a 9-month probationary period following appointment to this position.
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• A thorough background check will be required including, but not limited to: current and past employers, personal contacts, education verification. 
• Position subject to Hours-of-Service DOT and FRA Regulations.
• Position subject to District, DOT and FRA Drug and Alcohol Testing.
• A pre-employment physical, including a urinalysis drug screen, will be required.
• A pre-employment psychological screening, administered by a licensed/certified psychologist, will be required.
• If you are a person with a disability and require an accommodation to participate in a SMART program, service, or activity, requests may be made by calling SMART Human Resources at 707-794-3039 (Voice), Dial 711 for CA Relay, or by email to jobs@sonomamarintrain.org at least five business days in advance of the event. We will do our best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats upon request.

Description                                                                 

This position is a certified Conductor’s position responsible for the safe movement of trains by adhering to applicable operating rules and practices. Assures excellent service delivery by adhering to District service standards. Ensures safety of passengers and crew by adhering to safety rules. Submits various reports to record movement delays, unusual occurrences, passenger inconveniences, and mechanical defects. This position will be responsible for communicating appropriate and pertinent information to dispatchers, customers, supervisors, and others designated to receive such information. Assists in boarding and detraining of passengers and baggage. Makes customer service announcements and provides information about train service to include passenger connections. Makes special arrangements in case of service failure. Ensures each passenger has the proper fare. Ensures safe and orderly passenger conduct. This position will also be responsible for incidental housekeeping and cleaning of trains at terminals.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by, and minimum requirements required of, employees in the class.  Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.  SMART reserves the right to determine and amend job responsibilities. 

• Inspects and prepares trains for operation, and/or reports vehicle defects found during routine vehicle inspection to the appropriate staff in order to ensure safe, serviceable Performs air brake tests and associated other equipment inspections.
• Ensures compliance with rules governing responses to SMART’s cab and wayside signals system per 49 CFR Part 236.1401, Training and Qualifications for Positive Train Control (PTC) Personnel.
• Maintains understanding of operating characteristics and practices including physical characteristics, safety rules, air brake rules, SMART Operating rules, equipment trouble-shooting practices, and emergency procedures.
• Physically moves between and around train cars manipulating and lifting heavy air hoses and electrical cables.
• Is in overall charge of the train, interacts with passengers, enforces the SMART fare ordinance, and other SMART rules and ordinances.
• Citizen Arrests may be occasionally necessary.
• Prepare incident reports, as well as testify in court when subpoenaed.
• Produces written reports of witnessed incidents, accidents or unusual circumstances that affect the safe movement of trains or the condition of SMART
• Acts as liaison with first responders.
• Between trips, and during paid time between parts of runs, performs other duties as assigned, including cleaning or sweeping out trains, assisting passengers, handling delivery of internal SMART mail, and other operations-related functions.
• Monitors radio communications to ensure that trains are operating in full compliance with all applicable rules, Dispatcher and Supervisor instructions.
• Observes passengers entering and exiting train doors for any safety or security issues.
• Detects any boarding or alighting problems and takes corrective action.
• Answers customer inquiries and maintains a courteous and friendly demeanor with all customers.
• Ensures proper operation of automatic on-board public announcement system, and, if necessary, makes on-board or exterior announcements, and special announcements as necessary or as requested by Dispatch.
• Performs switching, make-up and break-up of trains, as well as ground tasks such as coupling and uncoupling of passenger and freight cars, making and breaking air and electrical connections, and operating track switches.
• Takes procedural and/or necessary action during emergencies such as evacuating passengers, administering CPR, AED and first aid, and/or using a fire extinguisher during emergencies.
• Communicates to customers and Dispatch appropriate information in the event of a need to evacuate a train.
• Oversees the safe and orderly evacuation of a train maintaining maximum control of such a situation in accordance with prescribed emergency
• Notifies Dispatch of any trespassing or emergency situations on or near right-of-way, or of service disruption, requesting appropriate additional instruction or assistance as required.
• Reports observed defects and unsafe conditions regarding tracks, switches, signals, and other related conditions that may affect the safe movement of trains.
• Reports observed equipment failures and malfunctions of a mechanical or electrical nature to Dispatch.
• Troubleshoots mechanical and electronic problems in service working with Supervisors and Vehicle Maintenance personnel to isolate problems, take corrective action, and restore service as quickly as
• Maintains required Hours-of-Service records.
• Uses a variety of communications equipment, including public address system, two-way radios and emergency telephones.
• Monitors and learns to apply changes in operating and emergency procedures.
• Is responsible for knowing current rules, policies and procedures.
• Must be aware of daily bulletins and announcements, and any revisions to policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates a demeanor and well-groomed appearance that conveys to passengers a sense of competence and complete professionalism. Must understand and comply with SMART’s Uniform & Grooming Policies when engaged in performing passenger service.
• Turns in all lost articles found on train to the proper staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Salary : $39