Sugar Express Fireman

United States Sugar Corporation; Clewiston (FL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

United States Sugar Corporation is seeking a Fireman to maintain steam pressure and manage fuel and water for safe locomotive operation. You will work with the Engineer to ensure public safety during excursions and emergencies, including monitoring signals and track conditions.

The role requires knowledge of locomotive components, the ability to work in hot cab environments, and the flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Valid Florida driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of locomotive appliances and safety protocols.
• Ability to work in a high-pressure, hot cab environment.
• Must pass railroad rulebook or safety test.
• Must have valid Florida driver’s license Class E or above.

Responsibilities

• Assist the locomotive engineer during excursion operations.
• Maintain proper steam pressure and monitor locomotive systems.
• Manage fuel, water, and firebox operations during trips.
• Assist with locomotive preparation, servicing, and inspections.
• Monitor gauges, injectors, and other locomotive operating components.
• Support safe train operations and compliance with railroad safety procedures.
• Assist with cleaning and maintaining locomotive appearance.
• Support themed excursions, special events, and seasonal operations.
• Periodically introduce sand into the firebox to scour boiler tubes for heat transfer.

Skills

Locomotive knowledge

Safety awareness

Team coordination

English literacy

High-pressure operation

Education

High school diploma or GED preferred

Tools

Brake systems

Injectors

Combustion controls

Lubrication methods

Water/fuel management

Job description

The Fireman will maintain adequate steam pressure for the operation of the locomotive. The Fireman is a skilled technical position that is responsible for the precise management of fuel and water to generate steam power sufficient to safely operate a Steam Locomotive satisfactorily upon the railroad, which it is being operated. Unlike coal firing, which requires manual shoveling, oil firing uses a burner system that must be meticulously adjusted to avoid thermal shock or firebox damage. The Fireman will fire the engine in a responsible manner and shall at all times assure that an adequate amount of water is in the boiler for safe operation and the tender is sufficiently filled with water and fuel. The Fireman will work with the Engineer to ensure the safety of the public at all times during operation of the train. This includes watching crossings for vehicle and foot traffic and/or any obstructions within the crossings. Firemen shall familiarize themselves with the use of the engine and train brake controls for their use in emergency situations. They are directly responsible for and shall receive directions from the Engineer and Conductor.

Job Responsibilities

• Assist the locomotive engineer during excursion operations
• Maintain proper steam pressure and monitor locomotive systems
• Manage fuel, water, and firebox operations during trips
• Assist with locomotive preparation, servicing, and inspections
• Monitor gauges, injectors, and other locomotive operating components
• Support safe train operations and compliance with railroad safety procedures
• Assist with cleaning and maintaining locomotive appearance
• Support themed excursions, special events, and seasonal operations
• Periodically introducing sand into the firebox under heavy load to scour soot and carbon deposits from the boiler tubes, ensuring efficient heat transfer.
• Serving as the "co-pilot" by monitoring signals, curves, and track obstructions on the left-hand side and communicating them to the Engineer.
• Assisting with the pre-trip preparation, including oiling / greasing moving parts and checking for leaks or mechanical safety failures.
• Assisting in loading fuel oil and taking on water during station stops.

Qualifications

• Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Must have a thorough understanding of locomotive appliances, including brake systems, injectors, and combustion controls.
• The ability to work in a high-pressure, hot cab environment as a synchronized team with the Engineer.
• Candidates must pass a specific railroad rulebook or safety test
• Have strong oral communication skills for coordinating crew movements and explaining engine features to the public.
• Ability to demonstrate operational awareness
• Must be able to exercise good judgement about the needs of the public, needs of the train crew, operation of the train, and the importance of safety.
• Must be able to safely respond to unexpected conditions that may arise
• The Fireman MUST have a thorough knowledge of the locomotive appliances but not limited to the brake system, combustion system, methods of proper lubrication, electrical generation, and proper use of the water delivery and monitoring system including the injector, gauge glasses, blower, burner, and atomizer
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to work flexible schedules including, nights, weekends and holidays
• Ability to work in a fast-paced passenger environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Detailed-oriented with the ability to follow protocols.
• Be knowledgeable about railroad operations, equipment and rolling stock.
• Ability to read, speak and write English.
• Ability to follow instructions and communicate information pertaining to the job.
• Ability to follow proper safety and housekeeping procedures pertaining to the area.
• Must have a valid Florida driver’s license Class E or above.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

The work environment characteristics and physical requirements described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to stand for extended time period
• Working conditions may be rainy, hot, cold, humid, dusty, foggy etc. depending on the weather
• Working conditions may be hot for extended periods of time depending on task
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud
• Duties of this job are occasionally performed in the locomotive, and various passenger cars. Will be required to also work inside the locomotive shop
• Employees may be required to drive a vehicle for extended time periods

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to operate and use all necessary equipment and use common office equipment
• Ability to move or handle various items generally weighing between 0-75 pounds. Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds and occasionally lift more than 75 pounds
• Stand and/or sit for extended periods of time

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are

the exclusive standards of the position. Employees will be expected to follow any other instructions, and perform any other duties, as may be required by supervision.