Railroad Dual Certified Conductor/Engineer

Springrecruits; Staunton (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Springrecruits is seeking a Transportation Specialist to perform locomotive operations and support station/train functions in Staunton, VA. The role requires strict adherence to FRA rules, safe handling of equipment, and effective communication with crews.

The position involves pre‑shift inspections, data logging, and participating in briefings to maintain safe operations and timely service, while assisting as needed in training other team members.

Qualifications

• Ability to pass FRA mandated testing including substance abuse, vision, and physicals.
• Good reading and writing skills for reports and logs.
• Comfort with manual and mechanical tasks in a rail yard.

Responsibilities

• Perform locomotive operations safely and efficiently.
• Conduct proper job briefings and follow operating rules.
• Inspect trains/equipment and log relevant data.
• Maintain radio discipline and communicate movements clearly.
• Assist in on‑the‑job training for lower positions.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and PPE requirements.

Skills

Safety compliance

Operational readiness

Radio communication

Teamwork

Record keeping

Physical stamina

Job description

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Making up trains/switching cars
• Reviews customer requirements and job orders
• Uses efficient movements and means in switching and blocking operations
• Considers safety in the switching of cars
• Mounts and dismounts cars safely
• Determines/communicates switching movements
• Logs data pertinent to car movements
• Conducts safe train operation
• Conducts and participates in proper job briefings
• Wears proper PPE on the job where required
• Reports to work on time and well rested at reporting time
• Properly conducts air brake checks and car safety inspection
• Performs work in agreement with Operating Rules/Signals requirements
• Understands/follows radio communication procedures
• Uses proper track authority with all affected rail users
• Practices good housekeeping on assigned locomotive
• Assists as needed in on-the-job training for all lower positions
• Operates Locomotive (depends on training and level achieved)
• Operates Locomotive in safe and efficient manner
• Follows all safe practices in train operations
• Completes all forms necessary to locomotive operations
• Keeps proper track of HOS records
• Troubleshoots and perform minor locomotive maintenance issues
• Operates within our Customer Focus Environment
• Maintains a courteous and professional manner with customers
• Maintains a courteous and professional manner with general public
• Displays courtesy and sensitivity
• Manages difficult or emotional customer situations
• Meets commitments
• Responds promptly to customer needs
• Ability to maintain calm composure and professionalism and make safe and efficient decisions under emergency and normal operations
• Ability and willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
• Ability and willingness to wear all required PPE
• Regularly lift and carry objects or material weighing up to 20 lbs.
• Perform work activities that require making quick or repeated flexing movements with arms, legs or body (e.g. bending, stretching, twisting and reaching.)
• React and respond quickly and appropriately to emergency situations (e.g. reacting to alarms or to sounds indicating malfunction of equipment.)
• Remain standing or sitting for more than half of every work day, and/or an extended period of time.
• Read, inspect or do similar activities
• Perform activities involving the use of fingers (e.g. pinching, pushing buttons.)
• Perform activities involving the use of hands (e.g. holding, grasping, turning)
• Engage in physical activities for an extended period of time.
• Tying of hand brakes on the engine, (requiring a “pumping” action up and down at a level below the waist,)
• Mount and dismount engines and cars from uneven surfaces and in all types of weather.
• Operate various designs of track switches (puzzle, spring) and derails (hand-thrown, dual control, electric) to change the route of the engine within yards or on the road
• Check switch points to assure switch is properly aligned
• Align drawbars by lifting, pulling, or pushing on the drawbar
• Pull pin-lifter rod to raise knuckle pin
• Lift and carry objects weighing over 50 lbs. relying on safety rules/experience in handling (lifting, moving, carrying, etc.) them
• Maintain balance while working in or around moving equipment, on uneven terrain, or on track ballast.
• Get on and off moving or stationary equipment while train is performing industrial, station, or yard switching to set/release hand brakes or to perform other duties.
• Ride moving car by hanging on grab irons or ladder, sometimes for extended period of time
• Climb ladders, stairs, or other structures
• Flag for vehicular traffic at intersections
• Remove/replace broken knuckles weighing up to 85 lbs.
• Inspect the condition of trains/equipment while stationary, sometimes involving walking the length of the train involving distances of more than a mile and frequently over uneven terrain.
• Ability to pass FRA mandated testing including substance abuse, vision, and physicals
• Requires an acceptable driving (DMV) record – clearance by the companies insurance company
• Ability to understand/follow radio communication procedures
• Ability to pass Operating Rules, Train Operating Signals, and Train Handling Test
• Acceptable reading and writing skills (necessary for operations)
• Ability to work up to 12 hour shifts, Holidays and weekends as required
• Ability and willingness to perform Track Worker duties as required

Note: At Level V and Senior Levels, the Transportation Specialist is able to back up the Operations Manager for station and train operations.

Effectively backs up station manager

Ensures safe station and train operations

Completes required reports and paperwork

Maintains station and property in safe and organized manner

Follows proper cost control measures

Ensures all FRA and other regulations are properly followed

Responds properly to customer needs along the assigned line