Conductor/Engineer

About the Role:

As a Conductor/Engineer, you will meet with the customer lead to receive movement instructions for the day, participate in pre-work briefings, perform the necessary moves, and complete required documentation. You will follow written and oral instructions to safely move locomotives and railcars while communicating with your fellow crew members. All work is performed within the customer's property, and this is a non-FRA role, operating under GCOR standards.

Qualifications:

• Prior railroad experience working in rail or similar industries is strongly preferred, however we are willing to train. 
• GED or higher
• Valid driver’s license. Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPR driver provisions.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. 
• Must be able to pass pre-employment drug testing, background, and provide professional references.

Responsibilities:

• Operate trains in accordance with established safety protocols and schedules.
• Perform Switching, assembling, and disassembling of trains.
• Perform safe operation of the locomotive.
• Monitor train performance and respond to any operational issues that may arise.
• Provide excellent customer service, addressing any inquiries or concerns.

Skills:

• Strong communication abilities, which are essential for coordinating with team members and ensuring passenger safety. 
• Problem-solving skills are also critical, as the Conductor/Engineer must quickly address any operational challenges that arise during service. 
• Attention to detail is necessary for conducting inspections and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
• Knowledge of railway systems enhances the ability to operate trains efficiently and safely. 
• Technical knowledge and interpersonal skills are vital for success in this role.

Interested? See full job description below. 

Company: Northern Pains Railroad, Inc. 

Business Unit: ALL                  

Department: Industrial Switching    

Schedule: Varies. Weekend duty, on-call, & overtime                 

Summary: 

The Conductor/Engineer receives, relays, and /or acts upon oral or written instructions, to ensure proper placement of locomotives and cars.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:

• Knows and understands the requirements of FRA & OSHA/MSHA Rules and Regulations.
• Oral communication via train radio with Operations Manager and train crews.
• Perform switching, assembling, and disassembling trains.
• Perform safe operations of the locomotive.  
• Properly and safely engage/release hand brakes and operate rail yard switches.  
• Inspect couplings and air hoses to ensure they are securely fastened.
• Attend rules and safety classes and ensure all rules are followed as directed by the Company, FRA, and other governing agencies. 
• Inspects freight cars, locomotives, and other equipment to ensure compliance with FRA and Company rules. 
• Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs. 
• Utilizes/understand hand signals, two-way radios, and cell phones for communication with other train crew members and dispatchers.
• Inspect locomotives before, during, and after each run to check fuel levels, supplies, and mechanical problems. 
• Prepare accurate reports as required by the Company, FRA, and other governing agencies.
• Any other duties assigned by the Company.
• Will perform work on Northern Plains Railroad as directed.

Competencies:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Thorough knowledge of FRA requirements is specific to the operation and movement of trains.
• Self-motivated.
• Basic problem solving and root cause analytics.
• Interpersonal skills: ability to solve conflicts; ability to balance team and individual responsibilities.
• Strong oral and written communication; ability to speak and write clearly and informatively. 
• Ability to maintain professionalism and approach others in a tactful manner.
• Communicate with customers and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Ability to react well under pressure in high-stressed situations; accept responsibility for own actions.
• Dependability and follow-through on commitments, consistently at work on time.
• Observe all safety and security procedures; determine appropriate action beyond guidelines; report potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment and materials properly. 
• Ability to judge the speed and distances of objects or moving parts.  
• Strong attention to detail and safety procedures; ability to maintain focus for the entirety of the shift. 
• Ability to build harmonious relationships with your colleagues, customers, and supervisors.  

• Ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems. 
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.

Physical Demands: 

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform on uneven or slippery surfaces, platforms, ladders, and equipment in all weather and temperature conditions. Most of the day could be spent standing on foot. Eye/hand coordination, hand/feet dexterity and grasping hand tools, materials & equipment is required. The employee is frequently required to perform manual labor & physical activities that require considerable use of the whole body, such as standing and lifting from various levels.
• Additional physical demands are listed in the chart below.

Environmental:

• Continuous: Exposure to and works in hot/cold temperatures, on-call, works outside, exposure to noise, vibration, walk on uneven or slippery surface, works with others, moving machinery & shift work.
• Frequent: Exposure to dust/smoke & fumes/odors/grease/oil & stands on concrete.
• Occasional: Exposure to electrical hazards, travel required & works in wet conditions.
• Rare: Works in cramped quarters, works inside, works alone, money handling, chemicals & toxic materials.

Education and Training:

• 3 years Qualified Engineer & Conductor experience, preferred
• GED or higher
• Valid driver’s license
• Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPR driver provisions.

Requirements of Joining Our Team: 

Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to: 

       1.    Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment. 

    2.    Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.

    3.    Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.

    4.    Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position.  

We value transparency and the safety of our employees and customers, and these steps are essential in upholding our commitment to excellence.

Physical Demands Checklist LIFT 1

* Never (N) = Not at all * Rarely (R) = 1-5% * Occasionally (O) = 6-33% * Frequently (F) = 34-66% * Continuously (C) =

67-100%

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.  This Job Description may change at any time as declared by Management.

 NPRS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation. NPRS is a tradename used by Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR), Northern Plains Services, Inc. (NPS), and All Rail, Inc. (All Rail).