Student Conductor - Freeport, TX

Cosmos Freeport SPV LLC; Freeport (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Watco is seeking a Student Conductor to learn safe switching of railcars using locomotive power. You will work with managers, peer trainers and crews to perform switching duties according to customer requests, ensuring adherence to safety and company rules. Training leading to Conductor Certification is provided on the job.

The role emphasizes reliable attendance, communication, and the ability to read switching orders and signals, with opportunities for growth within Watco's operations network.

Qualifications

• Must be able to pass Conductor Certification testing within one year.
• Valid driver's license.
• Willingness to obtain locomotive engineer certification after conductor certification.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Read, write, and communicate in English; understand basic math.
• Learn procedures and apply them with good judgment.
• Inspect locomotives before use to verify fuel, sand, water, and other requirements.
• Read and interpret switching orders and signals to move locomotives.
• Communicate switching information clearly via radio or signals.
• Assist with switching operations and train car movements.
• Maintain records of origin, destination, and cargo for cars switched.
• Assist with coordinating switching crew activities on-site.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Requisition ID33983-Posted10/07/2026-Switching Operations

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 on 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

The Student Conductor will work with managers, peer trainers and train crews to learn the safe switching of railcars using locomotive power, based on customer requests. Switch crews are responsible for performing jobs efficiently and following all company and customer safety rules and completing corresponding paperwork at the end of every shift.This Student Conductor description is general and illustrative of the type of duties required for this position. This description is not all inclusive and is not meant to be a detailed description of each duty performed by the incumbent.

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 to apply procedures using good judgment
• Assist in inspection of locomotive(s) before running to verify specified fuel, sand, water, and all other requirements
• Read and interpret switching orders from designated person
• Observe and learn radio and hand signals in yard or in cab and operate locomotive in accordance with company and customer rules and regulations
• Observe and learn arm or lantern signal and moves controls to move locomotive backwards or forwards to switch and couple cars; or receives starting signal and moves control, such as throttle and air brakes to operate locomotive
• Clearly and effectively communicate with crews, dispatchers or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information
• Assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations
• Turn hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well as apply and release handbrakes
• Observe track to detect potential obstructions
• Assist with inspecting locomotive(s) after running to detect damaged or defective equipment
• Assist with maintaining records, numbers, origin, destination, and cargo of cars switched
• Assist with coordinating activities of switching crew from locomotive cab, or other on-site location.
• Raise coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars
• Throw track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signals
• Move cars, using lanterns, hand signals or radio
• Connect air hoses to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force
• Sit or rides in locomotive cab to observe signals from other crew members
• Assist with making minor repairs to couplings, and air hoses and report any equipment requiring major repairs
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications

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, skills, and/or abilities required. Must be able to pass and obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position.

• Ability to pass training and required Conductor Certification testing in a reasonable period of time, typically within one year
• Valid driver's license
• Willingness and ability to obtain locomotive engineer certification following conductor certification

Education

Must be 18 years of age or older with High School or GED equivalent