Railroad Conductor or Engineer - Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation (SPRING)

Doswell, VA 22546

About the Job

Purpose and Scope:
Position exists to safely and efficiently operate trains, and to satisfy customer needs and requirements in moving cars to and from customer locations.

Principle Responsibilities:

Making up trains/switching cars
1. Reviews customer requirements and job orders
2. Uses efficient movements and means in switching and blocking operations
3. Considers safety in the switching of cars
4. Mounts and dismounts cars safely
5. Determines/communicates switching movements
6. Logs data pertinent to car movements
Conducts safe train operation
1. Conducts and participates in proper job briefings
2. Wears proper PPE on the job where required
3. Reports to work on time and well rested at reporting time
4. Properly conducts air brake checks and car safety inspection
5. Performs work in agreement with Operating Rules/Signals requirements
6. Understands/follows radio communication procedures
7. Uses proper track authority with all affected rail users
8. Practices good housekeeping on assigned locomotive
9. Assists as needed in on-the-job training for all lower positions
Operates Locomotive (depends on training and level achieved)
1. Operates Locomotive in safe and efficient manner
2. Follows all safe practices in train operations
3. Completes all forms necessary to locomotive operations
4. Keeps proper track of HOS records
5. Troubleshoots and perform minor locomotive maintenance issues
Operates within our Customer Focus Environment
1. Maintains a courteous and professional manner with customers
2. Maintains a courteous and professional manner with general public
3. Displays courtesy and sensitivity
4. Manages difficult or emotional customer situations
5. Meets commitments
6. Responds promptly to customer needs

Note: At Level V and Senior Levels, the Transportation Specialist is able to back up the Operations Manager for station and train operations.

Effectively backs up station manager
1. Ensures safe station and train operations
2. Completes required reports and paperwork
3. Maintains station and property in safe and organized manner
4. Follows proper cost control measures
5. Ensures all FRA and other regulations are properly followed
6. Responds properly to customer needs along the assigned line

Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Ability to maintain calm composure and professionalism and make safe and efficient decisions under emergency and normal operations
Ability and willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
Ability and willingness to wear all required PPE
Regularly lift and carry objects or material weighing up to 20 lbs.
Perform work activities that require making quick or repeated flexing movements with arms, legs or body (e.g. bending, stretching, twisting and reaching.)
React and respond quickly and appropriately to emergency situations (e.g. reacting to alarms or to sounds indicating malfunction of equipment.)
Remain standing or sitting for more than half of every work day, and/or an extended period of time.
Read, inspect or do similar activities
Perform activities involving the use of fingers (e.g. pinching, pushing buttons.)
Perform activities involving the use of hands (e.g. holding, grasping, turning)
Engage in physical activities for an extended period of time.

Types of Physical Tasks associated with train service duties

Tying of hand brakes on the engine, (requiring a “pumping” action up and down at a level below the waist,)
Mount and dismount engines and cars from uneven surfaces and in all types of weather.
Operate various designs of track switches (puzzle, spring) and derails (hand-thrown, dual control, electric) to change the route of the engine within yards or on the road
Check switch points to assure switch is properly aligned
Align drawbars by lifting, pulling, or pushing on the drawbar
Pull pin-lifter rod to raise knuckle pin
Lift and carry objects weighing over 50 lbs. relying on safety rules/experience in handling (lifting, moving, carrying, etc.) them
Maintain balance while working in or around moving equipment, on uneven terrain, or on track ballast.

Types of Physical functions when working as a conductor

Get on and off moving or stationary equipment while train is performing industrial, station, or yard switching to set/release hand brakes or to perform other duties.
Ride moving car by hanging on grab irons or ladder, sometimes for extended period of time
Climb ladders, stairs, or other structures
Flag for vehicular traffic at intersections
Remove/replace broken knuckles weighing up to 85 lbs.
Inspect the condition of trains/equipment while stationary, sometimes involving walking the length of the train involving distances of more than a mile and frequently over uneven terrain.

Other requirements

Ability to pass FRA mandated testing including substance abuse, vision, and physicals
Requires an acceptable driving (DMV) record – clearance by the companies insurance company
Ability to understand/follow radio communication procedures
Ability to pass Operating Rules, Train Operating Signals, and Train Handling Test
Acceptable reading and writing skills (necessary for operations)
Ability to work up to 12 hour shifts, Holidays and weekends as required
Ability and willingness to perform Track Worker duties as required

Source : Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation (SPRING)