Engineer/Conductor
Ottawa, IL · On-site
... * Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor ... Review instructions from Trainmaster and discuss with train crew * Coordinate execution of railcar ...
Ottawa, IL · On-site
... * Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor ... Review instructions from Trainmaster and discuss with train crew * Coordinate execution of railcar ...
Ottawa, IL · On-site
... * Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor ... Review instructions from Trainmaster and discuss with train crew * Coordinate execution of railcar ...
... * Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor ... Review instructions from Trainmaster and discuss with train crew * Coordinate execution of railcar ...
... * Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor ... Review instructions from Trainmaster and discuss with train crew * Coordinate execution of railcar ...
Ottawa, IL · On-site
... * Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor ... Review instructions from Trainmaster and discuss with train crew * Coordinate execution of railcar ...
Ottawa, IL · On-site
... * Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor ... Review instructions from Trainmaster and discuss with train crew * Coordinate execution of railcar ...
$18.4K - $25.9K
6% of jobs
$25.9K - $33.3K
13% of jobs
$38.2K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$33.3K - $40.8K
9% of jobs
$40.8K - $48.3K
4% of jobs
$48.3K - $55.7K
1% of jobs
$55.7K - $63.2K
3% of jobs
$63.2K - $70.6K
4% of jobs
$70.6K - $78.1K
0% of jobs
The median wage is $81.8K / yr.
$78.1K - $85.6K
18% of jobs
$91.3K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$85.6K - $93K
20% of jobs
$93K - $100.5K
20% of jobs
$18.4K
$68.2K
$100.5K
An Assistant Trainmaster often faces challenges such as managing train schedules, addressing unexpected delays, and ensuring compliance with safety procedures. The role requires quick decision-making when operational issues arise, like equipment malfunctions or weather disruptions, to maintain safe and efficient train movements. Additionally, you’ll collaborate closely with conductors, engineers, yard crews, and dispatchers to keep operations running smoothly. Addressing personnel concerns and supporting staff training are also key responsibilities that test your organizational and leadership skills. These varied challenges keep the work dynamic and provide valuable experience for career advancement within the railroad industry.
To thrive as an Assistant Trainmaster, you need a strong understanding of railroad operations, scheduling, and safety regulations, often supported by relevant experience or railroad industry coursework. Familiarity with train dispatch systems, operational software, and regulatory compliance tools such as FRA guidelines is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you effectively coordinate teams and resolve operational issues. These competencies are vital for ensuring safe, timely train movements and smooth day-to-day rail operations.
An Assistant Trainmaster supports the Trainmaster in overseeing daily railroad operations, ensuring trains run safely and on schedule. They coordinate with train crews, monitor compliance with safety regulations, and respond to operational issues. Their role involves troubleshooting delays, enforcing policies, and improving efficiency. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for success in this position.

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. 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 RESPONSIBILITIESStrength
Occ
Freq
Cons
Weight/ Force
Side
Height From
Height To
Lifting - Knuckle
X
85 lb
Two Hands
0 in
46 in
Strength
Occ
Freq
Cons
Weight/ Force
Side
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
Occ
Freq
Cons
Weight/ Force
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
Occ
Freq
Cons
Description
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
Occ
Freq
Cons
Description
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
Occ
Freq
Cons
Type/Position/Description
VisionX
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.
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Rail transportation
201 - 500 Employees
Denver, CO, US
1986