Conductor

Couples and uncouples cars. Performs other duties associated with the movement of trains, cars, engines in yards and on the road; mounts and dismounts equipment. Assists in transporting freight in a safe and satisfactory manner. Working outdoors year round. This position includes Student Conductors and associated training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides and receives various forms of oral, printed and electronic communication concerning railway cars movement and placement.
2. Observes, interprets, and relays signals concerning train and engine movement.
3. Operates track switches and derails to change engine and car routes.
4. Inspects train and equipment condition.
5. Operates various devices, such as an uncoupling lever, to separate and couple cars; applies handbrakes; climbs ladders.
6. Prepares necessary forms and reports.
7. Remains prepared for and constantly alert to unusual conditions or circumstances.
8. Replaces knuckles and other associated labor.
9. Responsible for performing duties and working hours as scheduled, including irregular hours (working and meal breaks), overtime, holidays, nights, weekends and may require extended time away from home as necessary.
10. Performs other essential and nonessential functions as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: 

High school graduation or equivalent. Must pass all rules exams as given throughout training period. Must possess a current valid driver’s license and be insurable on the company’s commercial auto policy.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, and Mental Requirement

1.  Ability to follow company safety procedures, using common sense, and maintaining an overall level of safety awareness when operating in work environment.
2. Ability to make effective decisions when in unfamiliar locations or emergency situations.
3.  Ability to understand and provide written, oral and electronic communications (e.g., instructions, explanations, revisions to initial assignments, etc.).
4.  Ability to recognize sounds and changes in sounds (e.g., whistles, bells, equipment malfunction noises).
5. Ability to recognize and distinguish colors displayed by signals, signs, etc.
6. Ability to read and understand visual displays (e.g., signals).
7.  Ability to judge speed and distance of moving objects/parts.
8.  Ability to recall information (e.g., signal and track locations, configurations, etc.).
9.  Ability to judge condition of objects/parts for wear and /or defects.
10.  Flexibility to accept change and react willingly, appropriately and in a timely manner.
11. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with co-workers, management, and customers (internal and external). 
12. Ability to effectively and professionally use radio to communicate with other crews, railroads and dispatchers.
13. Ability to certify as Locomotive Engineer.
14. Ability to use railroad software that is utilized for the safe operations of the railroad, for communicating car inventory/location and for recording hours worked as required by the Federal Railroad Administration.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position involves performing heavy work. Frequent (34-66%) lifting/carrying of up to 50 pounds, climbing and balancing skills, eye-hand coordination as well as ability to grasp. Occasional (10- 33%) lifting up to 75 pounds on a rare basis. Must possess at least 20/40 distance visual acuity in each eye with or without glasses. Peripheral: For each eye, 70 degrees or better in the horizontal meridian; 120 degrees or better in the aggregate. Has the ability to distinguish color per CFR rule 242.117 by passing either a Pseudoisochromatic Plate Test or Multifunction Vision Tester. An average hearing threshold (in the better ear) of 40 decibels at 500 HZ, 1000 HZ and 2000 HZ, aided or unaided per CFR rule 240.121.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The location of work performed (frequently out-of-doors) and in the cab, exposes the incumbent to the following conditions on a regular basis:

• Weather
• Uncontrolled cab temperatures when windows are open
• Noise (from diesel engines, air brake equipment, sanders, horns, and radios)

The job requires the incumbent to follow standard safety procedures, be alert, and take necessary precautions (e.g., wearing/using protective clothes and equipment) to avoid possible injuries or health problems that my result from:

• working on or around moving equipment;
• walking on uneven ground;
• climbing ladders on locomotive and railcars;
• riding on side ladders of railcars for extended periods of time;
• hazardous materials transported by the railroad;
• prolonged periods of continuous work time; and
• Passing vehicles (trains, trucks, cars, etc.) while operating or walking to the locomotive;
• riding in the cab (e.g., objects may be dropped or thrown into the cab);
• train derailments;
• changing electrical fuses;
• assembling locomotive consists;
• troubleshooting engine warning alarms;
• connecting air hoses;
• connecting MU cable;
• walking the catwalk; and
• examining the engine fueling component operation.

The statements stated in this job description reflect the general duties as necessary to describe the basic function, essential job duties/responsibilities, job requirements, physical requirements and working conditions typically required, and should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of the job. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload