Conductor Commuter Rail-1

Regional Transportation District; United States; On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

RTD in Denver seeks a FRA Conductor to support commuter rail operations with a strong safety focus. The role involves assisting engineers, handling passenger inquiries, and ensuring compliance with operating rules. The position is safety sensitive and governed by the FRA/DOT requirements.

Applicants must be 21+, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete the required licensing process under 49 CFR Part 242. Expect varied hours including weekends.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Must be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment.
• Must complete FRA/DOT required certifications for Conductor duties.

Responsibilities

• Assist ADA passengers and provide courteous customer service.
• Perform FRA pre-inspections and assist the Locomotive Engineer.
• Coordinate with engineers and dispatchers for daily operations.
• Maintain safety and comply with RTD rules and procedures.
• Participate in safety briefings and report incidents as required.

Skills

Strong customer service

Verbal communication

Safety minded

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum 21 years old

Certified Locomotive Conductor license training (49 CFR Part 242)

Job description

When you join RTD, you will be among dedicated employees exhibiting RTD's values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration, and ownership. RTD is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. As part of our diversity value statement, we encourage our employees to honor diversity in thought, people, and experience. Come join RTD on this great journey to be the trusted leader in mobility, delivering excellence and value to our customers and community.

RTD Employee Benefits: https://www.rtd-denver.com/careers/benefits (RTD Represented Employee Benefits: Please refer to the Labor Agreement included in the above link for details.)

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

This position involves performing all duties and responsibilities associated with supporting operations of RTD Commuter Rail Vehicles (CRV) in a safe, courteous, and efficient manner. The Regional Transportation District Commuter Rail (RTDC) corridors are FRA regulated. This position is responsible to perform the duties of FRA Certified Railroad Conductor. Responsibilities include but are not limited to dealing with passenger questions, assisting ADA passengers, making general announcements as necessary, assisting the Locomotive Engineer with class 2 brake tests, flagging for emergency situations, coordination with security personnel in evacuation efforts during times of emergency, making public address announcements in emergency situations, and exercising prudent judgment under a variety of conditions which may occur during a given tour of duty. This is a safety sensitive position subject to the rules and regulation of the RTD FRA Drug and Alcohol policy. This requisition is expecting to fill multiple vacancies.

Job Duties

Conducts self in an appropriate manner as a representative of RTD, uses sound judgment at all times, works effectively in a diverse environment, works safely on the job, respects co-workers and assures the quality of services to all customers both internal and external and complies with RTD and Regulatory Rules, Regulations and Policies. Accepts responsibility for the safety and security of all passengers and crew members. Reports unusual occurrences including but not limited to CRV and wayside equipment to the N Line Dispatcher and follows all traffic, safety, emergency and standard rules and operating procedure. Assists the Locomotive Engineer in performing visual inspection of CRV before beginning revenue service including but not limited to FRA pre-inspections. Identifies equipment defects and reports them to the Locomotive Engineer. Manually operates track switches and other wayside equipment in accordance with the RTDC Operating rules. Performs switching assignments as requested in cooperation with other departments. Notifying the Locomotive Engineer of when to depart from the station, stop, or slow down using the onboard intercom system or hand signals. Uses radio communication equipment in accordance with RTDC Operating Rules to monitor track conditions, signals, and displays. Provides customer service information in a courteous manner and provide customer service and assistance to all passengers upon request or as needed and use the public address system to notify passengers of any conditions that may affect scheduled travel times. Collaborating with Railroad Engineers, Dispatchers, and other staff to coordinate daily activities, which include task delegation and employee training. Monitoring onboard activities to maintain order and control and taking note of and reporting any problems with the interior of the train that may affect passengers' safety and comfort. Supervises the boarding and exiting of passengers onto and off the train in a safe, courteous manner. Routinely fare check that passengers have tickets to ride the commuter rail and assist passengers when requested on to how to purchase tickets. Assists the Locomotive Engineer in accident and incident reports at the end of scheduled shift in accordance with RTDC policy and FRA regulations. The employee can be depended on to report to work at the scheduled time and is in strict compliance to job attendance and reporting policy. Initiate the performance of a job a safety briefing with all affected persons. Must wear the required uniform and protective equipment in the performance of duties. Must be able to react calmly and effectively in emergency and life-threatening situations.

QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or equivalent. Must be at least twenty-one years of age. Prior railroad operating experience and work history that demonstrates the ability to maintain alertness, awareness and vigilance, stand for long periods of time, as well as clear, effective verbal communication skills in the performance of work is preferred. Requires successfully passing the training program comprised of classroom and field work to obtain the Certified Locomotive Conductor license in pursuant to 49 CFR Part 242 to perform Conductor duties on the N Line territory. In accordance with FRA regulations, applicant driver’s license must provide a certified copy of motor vehicle driving record and must be void of any drug and alcohol violations within the previous 60 months. In accordance with the FRA regulations, previous railroad service record for the covered services must be void of any drug and alcohol violations within the previous 24 months. Ability to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination by obtaining a DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate for a minimum of a two year qualifying period Ability to maintain a current DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate thereafter. Medical Examiner must have a National Registry number. Ability to pass a Physical Ability Assessment (PAA) related to the physical requirements of the essential functions of the job. Ability to obtain and retain a thorough understanding of all the RTDC operating rules and procedures which are in effect. Ability to use prudent judgment and common sense in making quick, safe decisions with minimal supervision and adapt to constantly changing operating environments. Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, while interacting with customers and internal staff in a courteous, professional manner. This includes providing good customer service by attending to the needs of a diverse customer base in a sensitive manner. Strong customer service skills. Ability to read, write, and speak English. Ability to maintain professional composure while under stress and pressure. Ability to be re-certified periodically on the RTDC operating rules based on federally required performance and knowledge tests. Ability to maintain a high-performance level of dependability, reliability and safety. Ability to work unusual hours, split shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required. Additionally, for internal candidates, as demonstrated in the past six (6) months by:

• No more than three (3) unexcused absence occurrences and three (3) unexcused tardy occurrences
• No safety violations within the past (6) months
• No suspensions within the past (6) months
• Otherwise demonstrated a history of high-performance levels of dependability, reliability, and safety
• Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed
• Ability to work unusual hours, split shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations. Demonstrated physical ability to perform job duties to include operating rail switches, accessing and operating CRV, assist the engineer in coupling/uncoupling CRVs, and raising/lowering CRV pantograph and standing for long periods of time. Demonstrated ability to push/pull up to 125 pounds and lift/carry up to 60 pounds without assistance. Ability to walk on track ballast, on uneven ground, sit for an extended period of time, and work in various outdoor weather.

Pay Range: $26.53 - $32.87 Hourly

EEO POLICY AND ADA ACCOMMODATIONS

RTD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless to the race, sex, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. RTD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, pre‑employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, promotions, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to our Employment ADA Coordinator Kris Frazier at [e-mail], or the Talent Acquisition team [e-mail]. To learn more or see our EEO policy, please visit our EEO page at: https://www.rtd-denver.com/open-records/reports-and-policies/eeo-policy RTD posts a compensation range that represents a good faith estimate of what RTD anticipates paying for the position at the time of posting. Starting salary is based on the candidate’s relevant and verified education, training and work experience. Applicants should submit all relevant and verifiable education, training and work experiences at the time of application.

RTD provides public transportation services in an eight-county region centered in Denver, Colorado. As a public agency, employees are dedicated to serving the public and providing for the transportation needs of over 3.1 million area residents as well as visitors to the region. Services include bus, rail, shuttles, ADA paratransit services, demand‑responsive services, vanpools, and more. The agency’s dedicated workforce epitomizes RTD’s mission of making lives better through connections. In 2024, the system had more than 65 million boardings, a number that has seen year-over-year increases since 2020. RTD employs over 3,100 people and has an operating budget of $1.5 billion. Together, RTD employees work hard to keep this region moving day and night. RTD is committed to full equal opportunity and affirmative action for all applicants and employees. Equal opportunity ensures all qualified applicants and employees are treated fairly and not discriminated against with regard to the individual’s race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. RTD participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E‑Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E‑Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I‑9.

Posting Opens: September 25, 2026 Posting Closes: October 9, 2026