Assistant Conductor Trainee

Springrecruits; Hempfield Township (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Springrecruits is hiring an Assistant Conductor/Conductor in Hempfield Township, PA. This role involves performing groundwork, ensuring safe delivery of freight, and assisting the Engineer. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and be familiar with safety regulations.

No prior railroad operations experience is required, but relevant military experience, trade skills, or outdoor work experience are advantageous. Training will be provided including certification tests to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and speak English clearly.
• Required phone access for work notifications.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Perform groundwork for trains including lining switches and operating devices.
• Notify Engineer of switching orders using various methods.
• Inspect cars and locomotives for defects and report problems.

Skills

Excellent communication

Decision-making skills

Ability to give and interpret hand signals

Knowledge of safety and operating rules

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree preferred

Job description

Responsibilities

Assistant Conductor/Conductor duties – the Assistant Conductor/Conductor performs groundwork such as lining switches, operating derail devices, protecting movements, applying/releasing/testing brakes, coupling/uncoupling cars, opening, aligning and carrying coupler knuckles, connecting air hoses, installing, removing and/or moving telemetry devices, flagging crossings, opening/closing gates, and assisting the Engineer in positioning the train by signaling and transmitting information to the Engineer. The position is responsible for safe delivery of all freight carried by the train and for preparation and communication of records and data. The position may also supply, inspect and perform minor repairs on locomotives, cars, and other equipment and perform other duties as assigned.

• Notifies Engineer of switching orders and which cars are to be moved to specified locations, using electronic systems, radio, or telephone; or verbal or hand signals.
• Receives, delivers, prepares and/or transmits reports, waybills, car placement information, bills of lading, switch lists and other information and data via electronic systems, phone and/or written reports.
• Supervises and assists in making up train, picking up cars, delivering cars, classifying, and switching cars.
• Notifies the dispatcher or designated manager(s) of all incidents including damage to cars and lading, defective equipment and incidents involving railroad employees or third parties.
• Inspects and removes snow, mud and/or debris from turnouts and flangeways, and ensures alignment of switch points.
• Inspects cars (including cabooses, if applicable) and locomotives, including couplings, air hoses, air pressure, brakes, trucks, rigging, load securement, and general condition; reports all problems or defects to Engineer and designated managers.
• Performs minor repairs to cars (including cabooses, if applicable) and locomotives, including couplers, air hoses, brake shoes, bearings, and other equipment.
• Assists other workers engaged in maintenance and repair of cars (including cabooses, if applicable) and locomotives.
• Rides on locomotive or cars to observe track, switches, signals, and crossings; also confirms signal aspects with Engineer while riding in locomotive.
• Trains and coaches crew members on safe and efficient work practices and rules compliance.
• Ensures locomotives (and cabooses and highway vehicles if used in the course of work) are supplied with fuel, consumables, proper tools, equipment and safety equipment; services and supplies as necessary.
• Assists other railroad crews or the crews of foreign railroads operating on railroad property; may be assigned to operate a highway vehicle to assist railroad crews or the crews of foreign railroads operating on railroad property.
• Displays warning signals, such as flares, flags, or lanterns, during potentially hazardous or emergency situations.
• Contacts and interacts with customers as deemed appropriate by Railroad.
• Supports and assists Engineer and other employees in completion of duties.
• Relieves other employees.
• Safely operates company vehicles, conducts vehicle inspections per Company policies and procedures, and services and supplies company vehicles as needed.
• Understands and adheres to company rules and policies, applicable FRA, TSA, and other agency regulations, and safe work rules and procedures.
• Determines that subordinates/peers are familiar with their duties and ascertains extent of experience and knowledge of the rules; briefs and instructs on proper, safe and efficient performance of work including identification of risks.
• Performs duties listed in the attached Job Task Analysis and incorporated herein.
• Any of the functions/duties of the Assistant Conductor/Conductor may be performed by other qualified persons when necessary or appropriate and in compliance with the rules to achieve the safe, efficient performance of service to the railroad’s customers.
• The Conductor may also perform Engineer duties as described herein if certified in compliance with Federal Railroad Administration regulatory requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous railroad operations experience is not required; candidates must have experience in at least one of the following items: relevant U.S. military experience, experience in a trade (welder, machinist, etc.), in an outdoor job (construction, laborer, etc.), as a CDL‑A or B truck driver, warehousing and/or heavy equipment operation.
• Associate’s degree preferred.
• Any employment offer is contingent on results of pre‑employment: interview(s), aptitude tests, background check, physical capabilities test, pre‑employment drug and alcohol screening, and a pre‑employment medical exam.
• Conductors and Assistant Conductors are subject to both Company and Federal drug and alcohol programs, which include periodic random and incident‑related testing in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Knowledge and understanding of and compliance with all operating rules, safety rules, and safe work procedures, applicable FRA, TSA, and other government regulations, and all company rules, policies and procedures are required.
• Required to pass company and regulatory certification requirements and periodic examinations and performance metrics.
• Ability to give and interpret hand signals, track flags, and signals.
• Excellent communication and decision‑making skills are required.
• Vision, color, and hearing acuity as specified in 49 CFR Part 242 and/or other applicable regulations.
• Ability to read and speak English clearly.
• Ability to read and transmit information via multiple media including written, radio and computer equipment.
• Required to have phone access to receive calls and work notifications from Railroad.
• Requires regular and timely attendance; work may be on a 24‑hour on‑call basis 7 days a week in accordance with FRA regulatory requirements and Company policy.
• Ability to react/adapt to changing environment and respond effectively and safely in emergency situations.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• To become an Assistant Conductor, the new hire trainee must pass the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) Assistant Conductor Certification Test.
• All Assistant Conductors must pass the LIRR Book of Rules test and GCOR Certification.
• Assistant Conductor and Conductor certification and periodic recertification must be consistent with federal and state regulations.
• Assistant Conductor must successfully promote to Conductor and then to Engineer within the timeframe set forth by the railroad and consistent with applicable labor agreement.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license; CDL is preferred, but not required.
• Works both inside and outside.
• May be subject to various temperatures and conditions which may include extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, and snow.
• Exposure to high noise level, moving mechanical parts, and moving rail and other heavy equipment.
• Exposure to dust, fumes, gases, oil, and grease.
• May be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.
• May require wearing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to steel‑toe boots, ear and eye protection, high‑visibility wear, etc.
• Elevated surfaces, slopes, and uneven surfaces including ballast.

The organization maintains its status as an at‑will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.