Conductor/Switchman

Job Summary

This position is responsible for the safe switching of railcars and movement of trains across the TRRA.

Primary Activities and Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
• Review instructions from dispatchers and yardmasters
• Inspect condition of trains and equipment
• Observe track conditions for unsafe conditions
• Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone
• Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists
• Climb on and off moving and stationary equipment, ride on moving cars by hanging on grab irons or ladders, remove and replace broken knuckles, align drawbars.
• Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.
• Couple and uncouple cars, apply and release handbrakes, operate switches and derails.
• Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety,
• Operate locomotive equipment through the use of remote control device.
• Comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems
• Judge and control the speed and clearance distance of cars.
• Comply with company and federal safety rules, policies and procedures to include wearing required safety/protective equipment, responding to safety concerns and taking appropriate action.
• Complete annual training and pass safety operating rules examination.
• Advance to engineer positions when required, in accordance with collective bargaining agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma /GED
• 18 years of age or older
• Valid Driver's License
• Able to read, write and communicate in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Outside work experience
• Experience working on an on-call basis
• Experience working varying shift schedules

Basic Competencies

• Verbal comprehension (Understand oral and written communications-both general and technical)
• Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions)
• Reasoning skills (problem solving and trouble shooting skills)

Physical Requirements

• Lift and carry up to 90 pounds.
• Push/Pull up to 120 pounds
• Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection.
• Stooping/bending/kneeling/crouching/balancing/climbing/holding/grasping/turning and pulling.
• Working/walking on uneven surfaces.
• Sitting/standing/walking for extended periods of time.
• Work in cramped, confined, enclosed or awkward places.
• Ride on the outside of rail equipment for long periods of time.
• Must meet color vision requirements as described in FRA Regulations

Environmental Conditions

Work outside in all weather conditions, on uneven surfaces, around loud noise and fumes and at elevated heights.

Shifts/Hours

Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work, including on-call 7 days a week, 24 hours per day and short rest between assignments in accordance with the hours of service regulation. Must be able to report to work safely with two-hour notice. Work hours are based on seniority new hires will work primarily nights, weekends and holidays.

Pay Rate

Training Rate - $700 per week approximately (8-12 weeks)

Entry Rate Based on Collective Bargaining Agreement

Training

Company paid on the job training (which may require travel) provided.

Probationary Period

60 Days

Union Membership

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, union membership and monthly dues are required.

United Transportation Union

Employment Conditions

• TRRA is a drug-free company and employees will be subject to random testing for drugs and/or alcohol
• Must pass a background screening
• May require a post-offer medical examination, including drug and physical capabilities test

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, vision and dental insurance
• Life insurance
• 401k Plan
• Railroad Retirement
• Paid vacations and holidays

Closing Statement

The foregoing is meant as a general description of the essential functions of the relevant position and is not meant to be read or interpreted in a manner contrary to the existing collective bargaining agreement.

TRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer that supports diversity in the workplace.