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The Switchman position is a cross functional role that is able to handle several key duties within the Transportation, Engineering & Mechanical Departments. This position 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. This position also installs and repairs railroad track on a specified territory of railroad.  Safely operates spike pullers and spike drivers: removes old spikes, drives new spikes, and performs related maintenance to railroad track that meet department and company goals, and comply with Federal Railroad Association (FRA) rules and regulations.

This role also performs inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and installation of locomotive mechanical systems, air equipment and electrical systems, and equipment such as: diesel engine, motors, generators, wheels, air brakes, wiring and lighting systems, and other mechanical and electrical components.

The Switchman position 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.

• Move trains safely in the yards and over roads
• Operate track switches, inspect equipment on cars and use radio communications to control train movement
• Performs inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and installation of locomotive mechanical systems, air equipment and electrical systems, and equipment such as: diesel engine, motors, generators, wheels, air brakes, wiring and lighting systems, and other mechanical and electrical components
• Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches and make minor repairs to railcars: including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses
• Communicate with Locomotive Engineer and other parties in the yard using proper hand signals and/or radio communication protocol
• Conduct the movement of rail cars and train movements; signal crew member(s) for movement of the engine or train using lantern, hand and flag signals, or radio to indicate when to start, stop, and back-up or set and release air brakes
• Observe, interpret, and relay arm, lantern, or radio signals and all other indications affecting movement of a train
• Operate track switches (visually checks switch condition and direction) to change the direction of the engine or cars within yard limits or on the main railroad; may apply or release hand brakes to switch or perform other duties
• Safe and efficient operation of locomotive including full mobility in seated position facing forward and to the side
• Manipulate throttle and brake controls; interpret gauges and controls
• Operate valves and switches both inside and outside of the cab including applying and releasing handbrakes
• Adhere to directions from conductors and brakemen
• Work independently and/or with train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and service locomotive including brake shoes, oil, sand and fuel
• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operation and the FRA if applicable
• Work safely in a construction/field environment following the safety rules and carrying out the work in a manner that promotes a safe work environment

• Operate spike pullers, spike drivers to perform construction and maintenance tasks associated with railroad tracks
• Raise rail using track jack to facilitate removal and installation of railroad ties
• Drill holes with power drill through rails for bolt insertion
• Operate track-wrench machine to tighten and/or loosen bolts at rail joints
• Operate rail saw to cut rails into specified lengths

• Drive company vehicles
• Perform CDL work if required by location to meet qualifications of the FMCSA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Subpart B: Qualification and Disqualification of Drivers and other regulations as applicable, including but not limited to, Part §391.11
• Complete inspection and repair reports according to company and FRA specifications and guidelines
• Following general safety rules, perform diagnostics, installation and repair of locomotive components to ensure proper operation and compliance with required federal and company specifications
• Complete periodic inspection per FRA standard and frequency.

• Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
• Wear required protective equipment such as: hard hats, hearing protection, safety-toe boots or safety glasses
• Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime and various shift work
• Maintain DOT qualifications
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned

• None

• 18 years of age or older
• Operate hand tools, including: wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, measuring tapes etc.
• Operate power tools and hydraulic equipment, including: portable grinders, rail saws, spike pullers, track wrench machines, power drills, track jack
• Apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed, but uninvolved written or verbal instructions
• Read and follow safety manuals, operating and maintenance instructions, test materials, drawings, schematics, and procedure manuals, gauges and dials on precision measuring tools
• Perform basic shop math concepts to calculate figures and amounts such as: area, circumference, length, distance, and volume
• Write legibly to complete routine reports, and complete required testing
• Familiar with and adhere to track Safety Standards in work completion
• Pass written examinations on the safe operations of trains and maintenance of way standards
• Familiar with Roadway Workers’ Protection (RWP)
• Effectively communicate with all level of employees and business associates in a clear, concise and professional manner
• Basic Computer skills
• Demonstrate problem solving and troubleshooting skills resulting in effective resolution
• Professional integrity and accountability
• Work in fast-paced, collaborative environment

• Valid State Driver’s License – pass DOT medical certification and Drivers Qualification File, pass DOT Drug & Alcohol testing if applicable

• Previous experience in Rail Transportation, Supply Chain Logistics, Manufacturing and/or Oil & Gas industries
• High School Diploma/GED
• Backhoe operation experience

• Class A CDL

• Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by the weather including: snow, rain, heat, and sub-freezing temps

• Daily travel as business requires during scheduled work hours

Strength

Occ

Freq

Cons

Weight / Force

Height From

Height To

Lifting - "136-pound Plate"

X

18.9 lb

Two Hands

0 in

40 in

Lifting - Lining Bar

X

26 lb

Two Hands

0 in

40 in

Lifting - Claw Bar

X

30.7 lb

Two Hands

0 in

60 in

Lifting - Impact Wrench

X

31 lb

Two Hands

0 in

40 in

Lifting - Portable Derail

X

44.3 lb

Two Hands

0 in

40 in

Lifting - Track Jack

X

48.5 lb

Two Hands

0 in

40 in

Lifting - Compromise Bar (136/115)

X

53.8 lb

Two Hands

0 in

40 in

Lifting - 136-pound Angle Bar

X

56.1 lb

Two Hands

0 in

40 in

Lifting - 136-pound Angle Bar

X

58.8 lb

Two Hands

0 in

40 in

Lifting - Tools, Parts and Equipment

X

65 lb

Two Hands

0 in

60 in

Strength

Occ

Freq

Cons

Weight/

Force

Side

  Height

Rotation

Grip Pattern

Hand Spread

Pushing - Manual Track Wrench

X

106 lb

Two Hands

35 in

Neutral

Cylinder

Pushing - Spike Puller/Claw Bar

X

118.8 lb

Two Hands

Waist

Pronated

Hook

Pushing - Ergo Bow Switch

X

133.7 lb

Two Hands

35 in

Neutral

Cylinder

Pulling - Hydraulic Spike Driver

X

60.5 lb

Two Hands

26 in

Pronated

Cylinder

13 in

Pulling - Hydraulic Spike Puller

X

63.9 lb

Two Hands

34 in

Pronated

Cylinder

10 in

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 - Rail Turner 39-foot Rail (90 lb)

X

88.3 lb

Two Hands

Waist

Neutral

Cylinder

Pulling - 10-Foot Tie with Tie Tongs

X

119.1 lb

Two Hands

30 in

Neutral

Hook

Pulling - Drag 10-Foot Tie with Tie Tongs

X

174.7 lb

Two Hands

25 in

Neutral

Hook

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

Dist.

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. Walk on uneven surfaces.

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.

*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.