Train Conductor or Engineer – Entry Level

Job Description:  This entry level opportunity is for people who truly enjoy customer service, have strong mental math skills, and possess either mechanical or leadership skills.  As you progress through training, you will learn ticket collector responsibilities to ensure that the South Shore Line’s passengers are properly greeted, pay correct fares, and arrive at their destination safely.  Specific tasks include assistance to passengers when boarding or alighting from coaches, answering passenger questions, collecting proper fares, handling passenger emergencies, remitting NICTD funds collected from passengers, and coordinating with the conductor and engineer in the safe operation of the train.  After ticket collector training is complete, you will be promoted as directed by management to service as a Conductor or Engineer and will be trained in-house.  Locations and assignments are determined by seniority.  Persons should expect to work weekends, nights, holidays, relief assignments, and without choice of location.  Some positions also require being “on call” for twenty-four (24) hour periods.   Must be willing to start and end job at either Michigan City or Hammond, Indiana.

Minimum Educational & Age Requirements:  High school or GED equivalent; college degrees or experience preferred but not required.  Eighteen (18) years of age.

Other Requirements:   

• Must be able to fulfill the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations, to include all tasks associated with train operations and passenger assistance with loading and unloading.  Offers of employment are contingent on a post-offer physical examination with drug and alcohol screening.  Persons hired are subject to further random drug and alcohol testing pursuant to federal regulations and NICTD policy.
• Must be able to maintain a pleasant demeanor at all times when working with the public – including skills for tactfully managing difficult passengers or stressful situations.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate clearly and fluently so as to understand and follow the General Code of Operating Rules, communicate essential operational and safety information, and pass periodic rule/safety/technical examinations.
• Ability to count and make change without the use of a calculator for amounts up to and including One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).
• Flexible about unexpected changes in work assignments or priorities. 
• Valid motor vehicle license in good standing as well as reliable transportation.
• If applying from another railroad, must have an employment record in good standing with the previously employing railroad.

Salary and Benefits:  Wages start at $24.05/hr. Once promoted to Conductor or Engineer, employees will earn up to $35.32/hr as conductors and $36.34/hr as engineers after five years of service. Pay increases are in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement. Benefits include pensions, ticket sale commissions, tuition reimbursement, medical care, dental care, and life insurance.

Environmental Conditions:  Work is on board trains with periods of time inside the coaches and outdoors in all weather conditions and at all times throughout the day or night.  Many positions are “split shift” – meaning that work starts early in the morning and ends later in the evening with time off duty during the mid-day time period.  Work is done on significantly uneven surfaces and may require work on snow or ice covered ground during winter.  Levels of activity vary from moderate to intense.  Exposure to heat, humidity, cold, rain, sleet, snow, and wind is common.

How to Apply:  Complete the application questions and submit a written resume outlining education, training, experience, and work history. A cover letter outlining the reasons why you are interested and why you believe you are best qualified is encouraged but not required.

This opportunity is scheduled to close on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 9:00am.

Apply early for best chance at consideration; the District reserves the option to close this position prior to the stated application deadline.

Contact Joseph Cieniawski, Director of Human Resources & Labor Relations, at (219) 874-4221, ext. 268, if you have questions about this opportunity or notice.

NICTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer

 

NICTD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class, assuming the individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

NICTD’s complete EEO Policy Statement is available upon request to the District’s EEO Officer, Ms. Laura Harrington, at (219) 874-4221, ext 219; e-mail: laura.harrington@nictd.com.

Applicant Note: This application form is intended for use in evaluating your qualifications for employment. It is not an employment contract. Please answer all questions completely and to the best of your ability. False or misleading statements are grounds for refusal or termination of employment and benefits.

Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law in all employment decisions.

Salary : $24 - $36