The Student Conductor's starting pay is $27.01 per hour / paid semi-monthly (Full Rate at mark-up is $33.75)

Interviews will take place mid-late June for hiring dates in July or August 2024.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Couples and uncouples cars, and performs other duties associated with the movement of trains, cars, engines in yards and on the road; mounts and dismounts equipment. Assists in transporting freight in a safe and satisfactory manner. This position includes Student Conductors and associated training.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports To: Trainmaster and/or Terminal Superintendent

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides and receives various forms of oral, printed and electronic communication concerning railway cars movement and placement.
2. Observes, interprets, and relays signals concerning train and engine movement.
3. Operates track switches and derails to change engine and car routes.
4. Inspects train and equipment condition.
5. Operates various devices, such as an uncoupling lever, to separate and couple cars; applies handbrakes; climbs ladders.
6. Prepares necessary forms and reports.
7. Remains prepared for and constantly alert to unusual conditions or circumstances.
8. Replaces knuckles and other associated labor.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education, Licenses/Certifications and Work Experience

High school graduation or equivalent. Must pass all rules exams as given throughout training period. Must possess a current valid driver’s license and be insurable on the company’s commercial auto policy.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, and Mental Requirement

1. Ability to follow company safety procedures, using common sense, and maintaining an overall level of safety awareness when operating in work environment.
2. Ability to make effective decisions when in unfamiliar locations or emergency situations.
3. Ability to understand and provide written, oral and electronic communications (e.g., instructions, explanations, revisions to initial assignments, etc.).
4. Ability to judge speed and distance of moving objects/parts.
5. Ability to read, understand, judge, recognize, and recall information including sound, color, and visual displays (e.g., signal and track locations, configurations, bell whistles, etc.).
6. Ability to effectively and professionally use radio to communicate with other crews, railroads and dispatchers.
7. Ability to certify as a Locomotive Engineer.
8. Ability to use railroad software that is utilized for the safe operations of the railroad, for communicating car inventory/location and for recording hours worked as required by the Federal Railroad Administration.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The position involves performing heavy work. Frequent (34-66%) lifting/carrying of up to 50 pounds, climbing and balancing skills, eye-hand coordination as well as ability to grasp. Occasional (10-33%) lifting up to 75 pounds on a rare basis. Must possess at least 20/40 distance visual acuity in each eye with or without glasses. Peripheral: For each eye, 70 degrees or better in the horizontal meridian; 120 degrees or better in the aggregate. Has the ability to distinguish color per CFR rule 242.117 by passing either a Pseudoisochromatic Plate Test or Multifunction Vision Tester. An average hearing threshold (in the better ear) of 40 decibels at 500 HZ, 1000 HZ and 2000 HZ, aided or unaided per CFR rule 240.121. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The location of work performed (frequently out-of-doors) and in the cab, exposes the incumbent to the following conditions on a regular basis:

• Weather
• Uncontrolled cab temperatures when windows are open
• Noise (from diesel engines, air brake equipment, sanders, horns, and radios)

The job requires the incumbent to follow standard safety procedures, be alert, and take necessary precautions (e.g., wearing/using protective clothes and equipment) to avoid possible injuries or health problems that my result from:

• working on or around moving equipment;
• walking on uneven ground;
• climbing ladders on locomotive and railcars;
• riding on side ladders of railcars for extended periods of time;
• hazardous materials transported by the railroad;
• prolonged periods of continuous work time; and
• Passing vehicles (trains, trucks, cars, etc.) while operating or walking to the locomotive;
• riding in the cab (e.g., objects may be dropped or thrown into the cab);
• train derailments;
• changing electrical fuses;
• assembling locomotive consists;
• troubleshooting engine warning alarms;
• connecting air hoses;
• connecting MU cable;
• walking the catwalk; and
• examining the engine fueling component operation.

IAIS PURPOSE & VALUES:

The Ideal Candidate exhibits our IAIS Values - and wants to contribute to the following:

People Matter - Everyone is to be treated with respect

Integrity is a Must - Success depends on ethical interactions each day

Change is Good - We are never afraid to pursue change for improvement

Customer Growth is our Growth - Provide superior service for mutual success

Secure our Future - Hold each other accountable for the highest level of physical and psychological safety

Leave YOUR Legacy - View each day as a chance to leave your mark and make a positive difference

The statements stated in this job description reflect the general duties as necessary to describe the basic function, essential job duties/responsibilities, job requirements, physical requirements and working conditions typically required, and should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of the job. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.