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Entry Level Railroad Conductor Training Jobs in Michigan

... Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance ... a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of ...

New

... Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance ... railroad cars within rail yard, industrial plant, or similar locations. Facilitate loading and ...

... Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance ... railroad cars within rail yard, industrial plant, or similar locations. Facilitate loading and ...

Railserve is hiring dependable, safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Midland to support ... This is an entry-level opportunity with training provided for individuals who are reliable, safety ...

... Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance ... railroad track infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient service for our customers. The Track ...

... Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance ... railroad track infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient service for our customers. The Track ...

... Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance ... the Railroad and is responsible for daily reports, parts inventory and ordering, locomotive ...

... Entry-Level with On-the-Job Training at Norfolk Southern's Jefferson Assembly Plant Ready to jumpstart your career in the exciting world of rail and automotive logistics? No prior experience? No ...

Production Assembler

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Who We Are Looking For Join our Production team in an entry-level role building wire harnesses and ... Cut and process multi-conductor cable using various cutting tools * Route and assemble wires ...

Production Assembler

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Who We Are Looking For Join our Production team in an entry-level role building wire harnesses and ... Cut and process multi-conductor cable using various cutting tools * Route and assemble wires ...

Production Assembler

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Who We Are Looking For Join our Production team in an entry-level role building wire harnesses and ... Cut and process multi-conductor cable using various cutting tools * Route and assemble wires ...

Rail Laborer - Prep

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

We provide opportunities for training and growth that create a foundation for long-term careers, and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference.This is an entry-level position, but ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Railroad Conductor Training information

What is entry level railroad conductor training?

Entry level railroad conductor training is a comprehensive program designed to teach new hires the essential skills and knowledge required to safely and efficiently manage train operations. The training typically covers safety protocols, operating procedures, communication skills, and regulations governing railroads. Trainees learn both in classrooms and in hands-on environments, often under the supervision of experienced conductors. Upon successful completion, trainees are qualified to work as conductors, responsible for train movements, crew coordination, and ensuring cargo or passenger safety.

What should I expect during entry level railroad conductor training, and how is on-the-job learning typically structured?

During Entry Level Railroad Conductor training, you can expect a combination of classroom instruction and practical, hands-on experience in the rail yard and on trains. Training usually covers safety procedures, railroad operating rules, communication protocols, and the mechanics of switching and assembling trains. Much of your on-the-job learning will happen alongside experienced conductors, often requiring shift work in various weather conditions. Teamwork is essential, as you'll regularly coordinate with engineers, yardmasters, and other crew members. Successfully completing this training is crucial for advancing to fully qualified conductor roles and can open doors to further career development within the railroad industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level railroad conductor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Railroad Conductor, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and basic mechanical knowledge, with additional on-the-job training provided by the employer. Familiarity with railroad safety protocols, radio communication systems, and completion of a conductor training program are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and clear communication are essential soft skills for ensuring safe and efficient train operations. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining safety standards, adhering to schedules, and handling the demands of working in dynamic railroad environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Railroad Conductor Training vs Entry Level Locomotive Engineer Training?

AspectEntry Level Railroad Conductor TrainingEntry Level Locomotive Engineer Training
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, safety certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent, technical training, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site at rail yards, tracks, and stationsOn locomotive cabs, rail yards, and tracks
Industry UsageCommonly used in rail operations, freight, and passenger servicesUsed in operating trains, primarily freight and passenger
Training FocusSafety procedures, signaling, switching, customer serviceOperating locomotive controls, safety, regulations

While both roles require safety certifications and involve working in rail environments, Entry Level Railroad Conductor Training focuses on managing train movements, switching, and customer service, whereas Entry Level Locomotive Engineer Training emphasizes operating the locomotive controls and safety procedures for train operation.

Can I become an entry level railroad conductor with no experience?

Entry level railroad conductor positions typically do not require prior experience, as training is provided on the job. Candidates usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and the ability to pass background checks and drug tests. Training programs cover safety procedures, operating protocols, and communication skills essential for the role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Railroad Conductor Training jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Railroad Conductor Training jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Entry Level Railroad Conductor Training jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Entry Level Railroad Conductor Training job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Railroad Conductor Training job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Conductor/Engineer - Owosso, MI

Watco

Owosso, MI

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Watco rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

303rd of 366 rated logistics


Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

The conductor/engineer position will control and coordinate the train movements while switching railcars whether in the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of railcars in a safe and efficient manner to service our customers. This position is a manual labor position which requires that the individual become proficient in the following skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory period.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance
• Follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule
• Read, write, and communicate in English & understand basic math
• Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes and apply procedures using good judgment
• Reads switching orders from designated person
• Supervises and coordinates the activities of train crews
• Observes radio and hand signals in yard or in cab and operates locomotive in accordance with railroad rules and regulations
• Observes arm or lantern signal and moves controls to move locomotive backwards or forwards to switch and couple cars; or receives starting signal and moves control; such as throttle and air brakes to operate locomotive
• Reads and interprets wayside signals, track warrants and bulletins, and railroad rules and regulations to operate locomotive, following safety rules and regulations and time schedule
• Receives oral or written instructions from Manager or Customer indicating which cars are to be switched
• Notifies engineer of switching orders and, whereby, which cars are to be moved to specified locations of yard, using radio, telephone, verbal or hand signals
• Talks to crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information
• Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains
• Gives instructions to throw track switches and to couple and uncouple cars
• May assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations
• Turns hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well as apply and release handbrakes
• Observes track to detect obstructions.  
• Inspects locomotive after run to detect damaged or defective equipment
• Maintains records, number, origin, destination, and cargo of cars switched
• May coordinate activities of switching crew from locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower
• Raises coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars
• Throws track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signals Engineer to move cars, using lantern, arm signals or radio
• Connects air hose to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force
• May set warning signals, such as flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes at front of and at rear of train during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains
• Sits or rides in cab of locomotive to observe signals from other crew members
• May make minor repairs to couplings, and air hoses and report any equipment requiring major repairs
• May talk to Engineer via radio to give or receive switching information
• Performs other duties as requested or required

Qualifications

• Ability to pass training and required testing

Education
High School or GED equivalent

What Watco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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