What are the responsibilities and job description for the Locomotive Engineer - LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEER EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! position at Genesee & Wyoming Main Job Board?
Company / Benefits Overview:
Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) team — part of a legacy that is over 125 years old. With a network of 100 individual freight railroads and 4,000 employees across North America, we provide transportation and logistics services to more than 2,000 customers.
At G&W, we live by our Core Values: Safety, Service, Integrity, Respect, Transparency, Accountability, Innovation and Excellence. We offer competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, and paid training to help you succeed. Check out some of our great benefits below:
- Medical, Dental, Vision & Telehealth
- Life Insurance
- Optional benefit coverages for Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital, ID Theft & Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending & Health Savings account plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- On the Job Training
- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement
- And more!
* Benefits are subject to change and may vary by labor agreement
Explore your future with G&W today and learn more about the opportunities to grow across our organization!
Job Summary:
Are you someone who thrives on precision, responsibility, and the thrill of keeping things moving? As a Locomotive Engineer, you’ll be at the heart of our operations—ensuring freight gets where it needs to go safely, efficiently, and reliably. You’ll be trusted to operate locomotives, interpret train orders and signals, and uphold the highest standards of safety and performance.
This role isn’t just about operating trains—it’s about being a key part of a team that keeps supply chains flowing and communities connected.
See our employees in action to learn more at https://www.gwrr.com/careers/.
Responsibilities:
- Comply with all federal, state, company and other applicable safety and operational rules and regulations
- Inspect locomotive for operational readiness by making federal- and company-required checks
- Receive and review train consist, which provides the physical makeup of train and includes weights, lengths, location of loads and empties, and cars requiring special handling
- Apply knowledge of territory, including terrain, grades, curves, and grade crossings, to give prescribed warning signals and operate the train in a safe manner
- Comply with train orders, train signals, radio communications, and railroad rules and regulations to operate the locomotive in an efficient and safe manner
- Observe track to detect obstructions and anticipate operating problems, as required by federal or company rules; diagnose minor malfunctions and perform minor maintenance and servicing activities when maintenance personnel are not available
- Communicate with Conductor or Traffic-Control Personnel by radio to exchange information and instructions concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains
- Complete required paperwork/electronic logs accurately, including hours of service data
- Conduct or actively participate in job safety briefings
- Notify proper authorities and prepare reports to explain accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays
- Assist with other projects and perform other duties as assigned
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:
- Full-time (40 plus hours weekly)
- Varying schedule in a 24/7 work environment that includes nights, holidays, weekends, and on-call as needed
- Outdoor work in all weather conditions working up to a 12-hour shift
- Walking long distances on uneven surfaces and climbing ladders and equipment always ensuring three points of contact in varying environmental conditions
- Able to lift up to 75 pounds from floor to waist and carry short distances
- Able to squat, bend and lift overhead
- Have good balance and coordination
- Must meet vision requirements (including color)
Skills and Experience:
- Past experience as a Locomotive Engineer or Conductor
- Ability to recognize colors and understand visual displays
- Ability to judge speed/distance of objects or moving parts
- Experience in a 24/7 work environment with exposure to outside weather conditions
- Effective communication skills both written and verbal
- Experience working in a safety-sensitive environment is a plus
- Possess situational awareness and decision-making abilities to respond effectively in a safety sensitive environment
Required Education and Credentials:
- High school diploma or GED; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience
- Valid driver’s license
- Valid locomotive engineer certification is a plus
- At least 18 years of age
Employment Requirements:
- Pre-employment physical, hearing, and vision medical review
- Subject to federally mandated drug and alcohol testing including pre-employment drug screening
- Background screening including criminal and motor vehicle driving history
Relocation:
Must live within 50 miles of assigned location or be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.
This position is employed by the specific entity set forth in the job posting.