Conductor

A&K Railroad Materials Inc; Medicine Lodge (KS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

V&S Railway in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, is hiring for a Conductor to join a safety-focused crew. You will help move and position railcars, inspect equipment, and assist with train operations in a physically demanding outdoor role.

No railroad experience? The company offers a comprehensive 6-week Conductor training program combining classroom, simulations, and hands-on training. Successful completion leads to a Conductor qualification with potential growth to Locomotive Engineer.

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 1 year of related work experience.
• Ability to read and understand written instructions, operating rules, safety procedures, and regulatory information.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to successfully complete all required training and assessments.

Responsibilities

• Inspect railcars and equipment, and assist with placing railcars as directed.
• Couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and communicate with crew and customers.
• Read work orders and operating instructions and follow safety procedures.
• Progress toward becoming a Locomotive Engineer through ongoing training and skill development.

Skills

Safety-focused

Reading comprehension

Verbal and written communication

Physical fitness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Are you looking for a career where you can work outdoors, learn a specialized skill, and build a future in the railroad industry? V&S Railway is looking for dependable, safety-focused individuals to join our team as a Conductor in Medicine Lodge, Kansas.

As a Conductor, you'll play an important role in the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. You'll work with train crews to move and position railcars, build and break down trains, communicate with railroad personnel and customers, inspect equipment, operate switches, and help ensure railcars are placed where they need to be.

No railroad experience? That's okay. We provide a comprehensive 6-week Conductor training program that combines classroom instruction, computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical training. Successful completion of the program and required assessments will prepare you to begin your career as a Conductor.

What You'll Do

You'll work as part of a railroad crew in a physically demanding, safety-sensitive environment. Your responsibilities will include inspecting railcars and equipment, coupling and uncoupling cars, operating switches, communicating by radio and telephone, reading work orders and operating instructions, assisting customers with railcar placement, and supporting other members of the crew.

You'll also have opportunities to develop additional railroad skills and will be required to progress toward becoming a Locomotive Engineer.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

We're looking for dependable individual who take safety seriously and can remain focused in a physically demanding environment.

Required:

• 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or GED
• At least 1 year of related work experience
• Ability to read and understand written instructions, operating rules, safety procedures, and regulatory information
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to successfully complete all required training and assessments

Experience that can be valuable includes:

• Construction
• Heavy equipment operation
• Farming or agricultural work
• Industrial or manufacturing work
• Other outdoor or physically demanding work
• Experience working in a safety-sensitive environment

The Reality of the Job

This is an active, outdoor railroad position—not a traditional office job. Conductors may work nonstandard schedules, overtime, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.

You must be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions, walking long distances over uneven terrain, climbing on and around rail equipment, working in confined or awkward spaces, and frequently lifting up to 80 pounds.

Railroad employees must also meet applicable FRA hearing and color-vision requirements, complete required safety training, and participate in federally required random drug and alcohol testing.

Training & Career Growth

Your first step is our 6-week Conductor training program. New hires must successfully complete the program and achieve an 85% or higher score on the final examination and qualifying trip to obtain their Conductor qualification.

From there, you'll continue developing your railroad skills with the goal of advancing to Locomotive Engineer.