Conductor - McPherson, KS

Watco; McPherson (KS); On-site; USD 19,800 - 24,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid on-the-job training

Career advancement opportunities

Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek

Leadership and development programs

Job summary

Watco is seeking a Conductor/Switchman in McPherson, Kansas to control and coordinate train movements while performing manual labor. The role requires proficiency in reading, writing, and effectively communicating in English along with basic math skills. A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required.

The position offers a starting hourly pay of $22. With opportunities for paid training and career advancement, you will be part of a team that ensures the smooth operation of the rail transport system.

Responsibilities

• Control and coordinate train movements efficiently.
• Supervise and coordinate activities of train crews.
• Maintain accurate records of switched cars.
• Learn switching procedures and safety protocols.

Skills

Predictable attendance

English communication

Basic math skills

Good judgment

Education

High School or GED equivalent

Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support‑services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all or the same team. One Watco.

Here’s What You Can Expect From Watco

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on‑the‑job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

Starting Hourly Pay Rate: $22.00

The conductor/switchman position will 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

• Conductor must demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule.
• Read, write, and communicate in English & understand basic math.
• Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes and apply procedures using good judgment.
• Read switching orders from designated person.
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of train crews.
• Receive oral or written instructions from Manager or Customer indicating which cars are to be switched.
• Notify engineer of switching orders and specify which cars are to be moved to specified locations of yard, using radio, verbal or hand signals.
• Talk to crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information.
• Confere with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
• Give instructions to throw track switches and to couple and uncouple cars.
• Assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations.
• Turn hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake to apply and release handbrakes.
• Observe track to detect obstructions.
• Maintain records, number, origin, destination, and cargo of cars switched.
• 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.
• Connect air hose to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force.
• Set warning signals, such as flares, flags, or lanterns at front of and at rear of train during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains.
• Sit or ride in cab of locomotive to observe signals from other crew members.
• Make minor repairs to couplings, and air hoses and report any equipment requiring major repairs.
• Talk to Dispatcher via radio to give or receive switching information.

Education

High School or GED equivalent