Train Crew - Alton & Southern Railway

As a Train Crew Member, you will play a vital role in the smooth operation of our railroad. Your primary responsibility will be ensuring the safe, punctual, and efficient movement of freight trains, thereby serving our valued customers. This entry-level position offers the opportunity to start as a Switch-person or Brake-person, where you will be actively involved in on-the-ground traffic control. No prior railroad experience is required as we provide comprehensive training to equip you with the necessary skills.

As you progress in your career, you will have the chance to advance to the positions of Conductor and/or Locomotive Engineer. These roles offer a unique opportunity to work aboard a moving locomotive, further expanding your knowledge and expertise.

In your initial years of service, you can expect to earn an annual salary ranging from $71,000 to $81,000. However, as you move up the Train Crew hierarchy, there is potential for higher earnings, with some positions offering a salary of up to $88,000 or more.

At our company, we recognize that our success is driven by our talented workforce. If you are passionate about contributing to a dynamic team and being at the heart of the railroad industry, we invite you to join us in this exciting journey. We are powered by our people, will you join our team?

• Ensure the safe and timely operation and movement of trains between various shop locations, service tracks, and switching areas.
• Conducting inspections of equipment and machines to assess their condition and operation, troubleshooting problems, and implementing necessary adjustments and solutions.
• Performing a variety of tasks such as removing, replacing, and carrying couplers/knuckles, aligning drawbars, coupling equipment and cars, operating locomotive equipment using remote control devices, applying and releasing hand brakes, riding rail cars, and effectively communicating information to co-workers and train dispatchers via radio.
• Checking, observing, interpreting, and relaying signals and placards to collect and communicate essential information.
• Maintaining accurate written documentation and preparing necessary materials as required.
• Cultivating and sustaining positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, and customers, while efficiently resolving conflicts that may arise.
• Ensuring compliance with all railroad rules and regulations pertaining to safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
• Demonstrating efficient and productive work performance, even under stressful conditions.
• Performing additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Possess a valid driver's license
• Demonstrate a clean driving record in the past 36 months, without any suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of your driver's license resulting from a drug or alcohol-related incident. Additionally, you must not have been involved in diversion or probation, or pleaded guilty to a drug or alcohol-related driving incident. Lastly, you must not have refused to undergo a drug or alcohol test related to the operation of a motor vehicle.
• Have experience in reading and comprehending instructions, including operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents.
• Usually expected to report to your assigned work location within a specific timeframe, which may vary between 1-3 hours depending on the location.
• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills to facilitate clear communication with colleagues and supervisors.
• Possess basic keyboarding skills to efficiently perform job duties.
• In order to be considered for this position, candidates are required to successfully complete an assessment in English before proceeding to the interview stage.  For more information go to the FAQs on UP.jobs.

• Previous experience working on 2nd and/or 3rd shifts
• Demonstrated experience working outdoors in diverse weather conditions (including professional, personal, and volunteer experiences)
• Proven experience working with, on, and around heavy equipment in motion (taking into account professional, personal, and volunteer experiences)
• Experience working in confined spaces
• Experience working at different heights
• Successful completion of a railroad conductor training course or program

• Candidates are required to successfully pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT) before being considered for employment.  This is separate from the medical exam.  For more information go to the FAQs on UP.jobs.
• Normal color vision, enabling the detection and interpretation of various visual color signals and displays, as well as the ability to determine the speed of moving objects at both close and distant ranges.
• Adequate depth perception to accurately assess the speed and distance of locomotives being moved in the service area.
• The strength to push, pull, lift, and carry objects weighing up to 85 lbs.
• The ability to frequently perform coordinated hand movements for grasping, placing, or moving objects.
• The capacity to engage in physically demanding tasks, including occasional bending, stooping, and kneeling.
• The capability to walk up to 5 miles per shift, climb, and maintain balance on railcars, locomotives, stairs, ladders, uneven terrain, moving equipment, rails, and ballast, all while ensuring safety (with occasional work at heights of 12 feet or more).
• The capability to detect unusual sounds and smells during inspections and testing, and promptly respond.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship.
• Willingness to comply with company policies regarding the use of personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection.
• Commitment to practicing safe work habits.
• In the event that your seniority does not permit you to retain your assigned location, be willing to potentially work in various locations within your seniority district.