Conductor FSRR

Fort Smith Railroad Co.; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Smith Railroad Co. is seeking a Conductor in Fort Smith, AR to oversee train crews, coordinate loading/unloading, and ensure strict FRA safety adherence. The role involves communicating by radio, reviewing dispatch instructions, and guiding car makeup and breakdown.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, 2+ years of relevant experience, and willingness to work on-call with varying shifts and overnight travel as needed. Safety and reliability are central to this role.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; 18+ years old.
• Minimum 2 years verifiable work experience; rail experience preferred.
• No driving violations involving alcohol or drugs in the past 3 years.
• Ability to work on-call and across varied shifts; outdoor work.
• Heavy equipment experience is a plus; strong safety record essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee train crews and ensure FRA safety compliance.
• Review dispatch instructions and coordinate with engineer and crew.
• Inspect all equipment on cars prior to departures.
• Read bulletins, work orders, and switch lists for operations.
• Assist with coupling/uncoupling and minor railcar repairs.
• Coordinate with customers for correct car movement and placement.
• Maintain awareness of surroundings and potential safety issues.
• Work under nonstandard hours and extended travel as needed.

Skills

Safety compliance

Team leadership

Radio communication

Reading bulletins

Heavy equipment operation

On-call availability

Education

High School diploma/GED

2+ years verifiable work experience

Tools

Radio equipment

Job description

Fort Smith Railroad Co (FSRR)
Fort Smith, AR 72901, USA

Description

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

As a Conductor, you will be responsible for overseeing train crews, facilitating the loading/unloading of freight and the general makeup/breakdown of train cars. All train crew employees are responsible for strict adherence to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety guidelines and for completing their duties with integrity and professionalism. This position is employed by an affiliated company of Patriot Rail.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
• Review instructions from dispatchers and yardmasters, and discuss with locomotive engineer and train crew
• Inspect all equipment on cars prior to departures
• Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone
• Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists
• Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses
• Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars
• Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety
• Comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems
• Quickly and repeatedly make precise adjustments in moving the controls of a machine or vehicle to exact positions
• Quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to visual symbols, signals and displays (sound, light, picture, etc.)
• Additional duties as assigned.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Verifiable High School diploma/GED
• 18 years of age or older
• 2 years verifiable work experience and/or college. Previous rail industry experience strongly preferred.
• No driving violations involving alcohol or drugs within the past 3 years
• Outside work experience
• Experience working on an on-call basis
• Experience working varying shift schedules
• Experience operating heavy equipment

COMPETENCIES:

Understand oral and written communications, both general and technical.

Provide clear instructions/directions.

• Reasoning skills

Problem solving and troubleshooting skills.

Values time and manages time effectively. Effectively prioritizes and can manage a broad range of activities

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Medium to heavy work, lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 80 pounds
• Reach/handle/finger/feel
• Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places
• Ride on the outside of rail equipment for long periods of time
• Walk long distances over uneven terrain
• Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection
• Must meet color vision requirements as described in the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Regulations
• Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
• Wear protective equipment including hearing protection, safety-toe boots, or safety glasses
• Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work, including on-call 7 days a week, 24 hours per day, with extended periods of time away from home and short rest between assignments in accordance with the hours of service regulation
• Work hours may be based on seniority - new hires will work primarily nights, weekends, and holiday
• Must report to work as called on a 24-hour schedule.
• Complete annual training and pass safety operating rules examination
• Federal regulations require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol
• Must pass all required assessments
• Must pass a background screening
• May require a post-offer medical examination, including drug and physical capabilities test
• Strict disciplinary policy regarding inability to report to work within proper time frame, or failure to accept a call for work
• Advance to engineer position when required, based on seniority
• Work outside in all weather conditions.

ANTICIPATED PERCENT OF TRAVEL:

50%-75%

SAFTEY

Safety is the cornerstone value in our Company. Our employees are expected to live our values on the job in how we work, how we act, and how we create value. Safety is a personal responsibility. We are professionals and our activities must reflect that professionalism. Each team member must demonstrate safety advocacy every day – regardless of their role in the Company. Compliance with safety and operating rules is required and essential to our own safety and that of others.

“The Patriot Way.”

At Patriot, we value our relationships – with our customers, employees, shareholders, communities and other stakeholders. We know that safety, integrity, reliability, ethical behavior and exceptional customer service are critical to building and maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relationships. Everyone at Patriot – from the mailroom to the boardroom – embraces those values. More importantly, as a team, we make it our business to demonstrate them in everything we do. It’s “The Patriot Way.”

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.