CONDUCTOR

Knife River - SD; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Profit Sharing

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance

Job summary

Knife River/Ellis & Eastern Railroad is seeking a hands-on crew member to check brakes and systems before train runs and assist locomotive engineers in safe operation. You will follow instructions, relay signals, operate track switches, inspect air brakes and couplings, and maintain records while upholding safety and regulatory compliance.

This role requires flexible shifts, overtime, and potential nights or Saturdays.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–3 months related experience or training preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to maintain licensure.
• Flexible shifts, overtime, some nights and Saturdays may be required.

Responsibilities

• Follows instructions from the locomotive engineer to move trains safely and on time.
• Observes, interprets, and relays signals from other personnel to ensure proper placement of locomotive and cars.
• Provides instructions via radio or hand signals to engineers to guide movement of locomotive.
• Tends and operates track switches.
• Inspects couplings and air hoses to ensure secure connections and operates uncoupling levers.
• Visually inspects and tests air brakes.
• Sets and releases hand brakes.
• Inspects freight cars for secure sealing.
• Signals Locomotive Engineer to begin train run via radio or hand signals.
• Communicates with traffic control center during runs regarding stops and delays.
• Loads and unloads freight cars.
• Performs maintenance duties on railroad cars, locomotives, tracks and equipment.
• Maintains records as required.
• Ensures compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Skills

Operational Skills

Communication Skills

Physical Stamina

Safety Awareness

Attention to Detail

Problem-Solving Abilities

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

At Knife River/Ellis & Eastern Railroad, we take care of our teams because we know they are the foundation of our success. We are one of the nation's largest construction materials producers and contractors, and our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. Join us and make an impact that will last for generations.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Check train brakes and other systems and equipment prior to train run. Assist locomotive engineers in activities required to operate train safely.

DUTIES AND/OR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Follows instructions from the locomotive engineer to move trains safely and on time.
2. Observes, interprets, understands, recognizes and relays signals from other personnel and acts upon them to ensure proper placement of locomotive and cars.
3. Provides instructions via radio or hand signals to engineers to guide movement of locomotive.
4. Tends and operates track switches.
5. Inspects couplings and air hoses to ensure that they are securely fastened, couples air system between cars and operates uncoupling levers.
6. Visually inspects and tests air brakes.
7. Sets and releases hand brakes.
8. Inspect freight cars to ensure that they are securely sealed.
9. Signals Locomotive Engineer via radio or by hand signals to begin train run.
10. Talks to Locomotive Engineer and traffic control center personnel via telephone or radio during run to give or receive instructions or information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
11. Loads and unloads freight cars.
12. Perform duties needed for inspection and maintenance of railroad cars, locomotives, railroad tracks and mechanical equipment during runs to ensure that train is operating efficiently and safely.
13. Maintains records as required.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.
15. Ensure DOT, MSHA, OSHA, EPA, DNR, safety and environmental regulation compliance.
16. Always work safely and take action to prevent all unsafe actions, processes, and behaviors.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Operational Skills
2. Communication Skills
3. Physical Stamina
4. Safety Awareness
5. Attention to Detail
6. Problem-Solving Abilities

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. High school diploma or general education degree (GED);
2. Or one to three months related experience and/or training.
3. Valid driver's license.
4. Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
5. Ability to hold and maintain proper licensure and acceptable driving record.
6. Ability to work flexible shifts, including overtime, possible nights and some Saturdays.

BENEFITS

1. Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
2. Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
3. 401(k) with Company Match
4. Profit Sharing
5. Paid Time Off
6. Paid Sick Time
7. 8 Paid Holidays
8. Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
9. Short-term Disability
10. Employee Assistance Program
11. Years of Service Recognition
12. Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Dependents
13. Critical Illness Plan
14. Accident Coverage Plan
15. Hospital Indemnity
16. Railroad Retirement

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal laws.

Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.