Assistant Conductor Trainee

Long Island Rail Road; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 66,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Long Island Rail Road is seeking an Assistant Conductor Trainee to assist in safe and efficient movement of customers and yard operations. You will help with ticket sales, public announcements, and door operations while supporting train crews in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications include a four-year high school diploma, ability to read manuals, and good communication skills. The role requires adaptability to 24/7 shifts and may involve travel across various locations.

Qualifications

• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State’s education authority.
• Ability to read and understand operating manuals and write train orders.
• Accounting skills equivalent to maintaining and balancing a checkbook.
• Mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting equipment and air brake systems.
• Strong verbal communication skills and ability to pass examinations.
• Physical ability to perform duties, including climbing stairs and operating doors.
• Ability to work varied hours (24/7) at different locations, including holidays.

Responsibilities

• Provide passengers with information and report delays.
• Inspect, collect, and sell cash fares on passenger trains.
• Walk through moving trains, assist passengers, and perform safety tasks.
• Operate switches, inspect trains, perform minor repairs, and manage air brake hoses.
• Assist in moving cars to assemble trains or place for service.
• Interpret and relay signals to control train movement for safety.
• Read and follow rules, communicate via PA and radio with passengers and facilities.
• Provide protection for third-party contractors along tracks and platforms.

Skills

Customer service

Cash handling

Communication

Reading manuals

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Description

Position at Long Island Rail Road

|————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-|———————————————–|
| Job Title:Assistant Conductor Trainee | Department:Transportation |
| MTA Agency: LIRR | Primary Location(s):Various |
| Hourly Rate:$ 49.57* (See Wage Progression Chart) | Position Classification: Safety Sensitive |
| Union Affiliation: SMART – Transportation Division (SMART-UTU) | Closing Date (if applicable):8/14/26 |
| About your agency: Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles — from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island. |

THIS IS A REPRESENTED POSITION

JOB SUMMARY

Provides excellent customer service to all passengers. Assists train crew in the safe and efficient movement of customers, performance of various yard movement operations, mechanical troubleshooting/minor repairs of equipment, collecting and selling cash fares, making announcements, operating doors, handling emergency situations, coupling and uncoupling train cars, throwing switches, etc.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide passengers with information, answer questions concerning train rules, regulations, and schedules, and provide destination information. Report delays.
• Inspect, collect, and sell cash fares on passenger trains in accordance with established procedures.
• Must walk through moving passenger trains in performance of duties, climb on and off equipment using fixed ladders or stairs, assist passengers on, off and through trains routinely or under emergency conditions.
• Routinely operate yard and main track switches and derail, operate levers and valves to separate cars, couple and uncouple air brake hoses, inspect trains, perform minor repairs to equipment, apply or release hand brakes, align coupling assemblies, open and close doors on passenger equipment.
• Assist in the movement of cars to assemble trains or place for repair or service.
• Observe, interpret, and relay various types of signals including hand, fixed position, or color lights to control the movement of trains and engines for the safety of passengers.
• Read and understand rules and instructions, give as well as follow written and oral instructions, communicate clearly via public address and radio systems with passengers and railroad facilities.
• Provide protection (flag) for third-party contractors along tracks, on platforms, bridges, tunnels and other railroad facilities.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent (GED or TASC) approved by a State’s Department of Education or recognized accredited organization.
• Ability to read and understand operating manuals and write train orders.
• Accounting skills equivalent to maintaining and balancing a check book.
• Mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting equipment and air brake systems.
• Solid oral communication skills must have ability to successfully pass oral and written promotion examinations.
• Frequent pushing/pulling MU (multiple unit) car doors 23 to 55 lb. (one armed push/pull strength of 39 lb. avg.) and retracting electric coupler 90 lb. force.
• Occasional climbing on stairs and ladders, including 32″ initial step above ground to enter train with train hold 62″ above ground.
• Must have the ability to work various hours (24/7), at different locations and report in a timely fashion. This would include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Required to wear a uniform that consists of coat, vest and trousers, a cap, shirt and tie.

PREFERRED/ DESIRABLE SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Some college preferred.
• Prior customer service and cash handling experience.
• Successful completion of introduction to Operating Rules and Procedures training class.

STEPS TO THE SELECTION PROCESS

• Employees who have a satisfactory work record and meet the stated requirements will be invited to take an aptitude test.
• External applicants who meet the stated requirements may be invited to take the aptitude test. This test has three parts, Cognitive, Vocabulary and Math. A preliminary assessment interview will also be conducted at the time. Based on the results, candidates may receive LIRR operations, signals, and definitions study material.
• Successful candidates at this stage will be invited to come to the LIRR signal and definitions overview. (Candidates must return to take the Signals and Definitions exam).
• Those successfully passing this exam will participate in a panel interview on this day. If successful, a physical abilities screening will be scheduled to ensure they can perform the essential functions of the job.
• Training Program: Candidates who successfully complete the steps of the selection process outlined in 1, 2 and 3 above, may be selected to participate in the Assistant Conductor Training Program. The Training for Assistant Conductor is administered through an approximately 11-week COMPENSATED program. Instruction will include operating rules and policies, on-board ticket sales and procedures, airbrake and troubleshooting requirements, passenger train emergency preparedness (PTEP) and on-track safety.

The process will consist of a practical evaluation as well as mandatory written exams. Failure to pass all exams and training requirements will result in dismissal.

WRITTEN AND PRACTICAL QUALIFYING EXAMS

• Operating Rules and Procedures for passenger and freight service.
• Ticket sales, collections and accounting procedures.
• Air Brake equipment inspections and troubleshooting.
• PTEP
• CPR First Aid
• Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)-214/217and 218
• Qualifying for Assistant Conductor to Conductor is mandatory as per current Article-5 agreement.
• Failure to qualify as a Conductor may result in termination from the Company

WAGE PROGRESSION

For Employees hired on or before September 24, 2014:

70% – 1st 365 Calendar Days ($34.70)

75% – 2nd 365 Calendar Days ($37.18)

80% – 3rd 365 Calendar Days ($39.66)

85% – 4th 365 Calendar Days ($42.14)

90% – 5th 365 Calendar Days ($44.62)

100% – After 1,825 Calendar Days ($49.57)

New Wage progression for employees hired after September 24, 2014:

70% – 1st 365 Calendar Days ($ 34.70)

70% – 2nd 365 Calendar Days ($34.70)

75% – 3rd 365 Calendar Days ($37.18)

80% – 4th 365 Calendar Days ($39.66)

85% – 5th 365 Calendar Days ($42.14)

85% – 6th 365 Calendar Days ($42.14)

90% – 7th 365 Calendar Days ($44.62)

100% – After 2,555 Calendar Days ($49.57)

OTHER INFORMATION

• Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).
• Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company’s discretion.
• Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
• Current employees should be in their current position 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record.
• Candidates selected for this position may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications. Qualified candidates who are placed in a competitive class position are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter and in the upper right corner of your resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program. For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, please visit the following link https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/55-a-program.page

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.