Conductor/Engineer – Part Time (WLR)

Jaguar Transport Holdings, LLC; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

Jaguar Transport Holdings, LLC is seeking a part‑time conductor/engineer to control and coordinate train movements while switching railcars in yards or industrial settings. The role requires reading orders, performing inspections, and communicating effectively via radio under safety rules and schedules.

The position emphasizes manual labor, outdoor work in varying weather, and a structured training period to ensure competency with equipment and FRA standards.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English and understand basic math.
• Must pass training and required testing.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Follow written and verbal directions to complete tasks on schedule.
• Inspect locomotive before run to verify fuel, sand, water, and FRA requirements.
• Read switching orders and operate locomotive following railroad rules.
• Communicate with crew via radio and with dispatcher for stops, delays, or instructions.
• Raise or set brakes and couple/uncouple cars as needed.
• Maintain records of cars switched and cargo details.

Skills

Common sense

Write legibly

Heavy lifting

Outdoor work

Flexible schedule

Problem recognition

Roadway Protection Rules

Railroad operations knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

49 CFR 242/240 qualifications

Job description

Position Summary

The conductor/engineer position will be to control and coordinate the train movements while switching railcars whether in the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of railcars in a safe and efficient manner to service our customers. This position is a manual labor position which requires that the individual become proficient in the following skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory period.

Part‑Time Position

The conductor/engineer position will be to control and coordinate the train movements while switching railcars whether in the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of railcars in a safe and efficient manner to service our customers. This position is a manual labor position which requires that the individual become proficient in the following skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory period.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule.
• Read, write, and communicate in English and understand basic math.
• Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes and apply procedures using good judgment.
• Inspect locomotive before run to verify specified fuel, sand, water, and all FRA requirements.
• Read switching orders from designated person.
• Observe radio and hand signals in yard or in cab and operate locomotive in accordance with railroad rules and regulations.
• Observe arm or lantern signal and move controls to move locomotive backwards or forwards to switch and couple cars; or receive starting signal and move control such as throttle and air brakes to operate locomotive.
• Read and interpret wayside signals, track warrants and bulletins, and railroad rules and regulations to operate locomotive, following safety rules and regulations and time schedule.
• Talk to crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information.
• Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
• May assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations.
• Turn hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake and tie handbrakes.
• Observe track to detect obstructions.
• Inspect locomotive after run to detect damaged or defective equipment.
• Maintain records, number, origin, destination, and cargo of cars switched.
• May coordinate activities of switching crew from locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower.
• Raise coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars.
• Throw track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signal engineer to move cars, using lantern, arm signals or radio.
• Climb ladder to top of car, ride atop cars, and turn hand wheel to set brakes or control the speed of the car when it has been shunted.
• Connect air hose to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force.
• May walk along tops of cars and peer down between them to inspect couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes.
• May set warning signals, such as flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes at front of and at rear of train during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains.
• Sits or rides in cab of locomotive to observe signals from other crew members.
• May make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, and report any equipment requiring major repairs.
• Perform other duties as requested or required.

Requirements And Experience

• High school education or general education development (GED).
• Must have or have had 49CFR242 and/or 49CFR240 qualifications.
• At least 1‑year job‑related experience; or equivalent of education and experience.
• Ability to pass training and required testing.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Must have the ability to apply common sense and understanding to carry out written and oral instructions.
• Must have the ability to write legibly.
• Must be able to perform duties that require heavy lifting.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to have a flexible work schedule.
• Must have the ability to recognize problems.
• Must have knowledge of Roadway Protection Rules.
• Must have a broad understanding of railroad operations.

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• The team member is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and elements, noise, and fumes from gas, oil, and grease.

Machines, Tools, Special Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment Used

• Hammers, ratchets, chisel, pry bar, wrenches, and brushes.
• PPE; hard hat, vest, safety glasses, FR clothing, gloves, steel‑toed boots.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by team members assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.