Railroad Dual Certified Conductor/Engineer

Principle Responsibilities

• Making up trains/switching cars
• Reviews customer requirements and job orders
• Uses efficient movements and means in switching and blocking operations
• Considers safety in the switching of cars
• Mounts and dismounts cars safely
• Determines/communicates switching movements
• Logs data pertinent to car movements
• Conducts safe train operation
• Conducts and participates in proper job briefings
• Wears proper PPE on the job where required
• Reports to work on time and well rested at reporting time
• Properly conducts air brake checks and car safety inspection
• Performs work in agreement with Operating Rules/Signals requirements
• Understands/follows radio communication procedures
• Uses proper track authority with all affected rail users
• Practices good housekeeping on assigned locomotive
• Assists as needed in on-the-job training for all lower positions
• Operates Locomotive (depends on training and level achieved)
• Operates Locomotive in safe and efficient manner
• Follows all safe practices in train operations
• Completes all forms necessary to locomotive operations
• Keeps proper track of HOS records
• Troubleshoots and perform minor locomotive maintenance issues
• Operates within our Customer Focus Environment
• Maintains a courteous and professional manner with customers
• Maintains a courteous and professional manner with general public
• Displays courtesy and sensitivity
• Manages difficult or emotional customer situations
• Meets commitments
• Responds promptly to customer needs

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to maintain calm composure and professionalism and make safe and efficient decisions under emergency and normal operations
• Ability and willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
• Ability and willingness to wear all required PPE
• Regularly lift and carry objects or material weighing up to 20 lbs.
• Perform work activities that require making quick or repeated flexing movements with arms, legs or body (e.g. bending, stretching, twisting and reaching.)
• React and respond quickly and appropriately to emergency situations (e.g. reacting to alarms or to sounds indicating malfunction of equipment.)
• Remain standing or sitting for more than half of every work day, and/or an extended period of time.
• Read, inspect or do similar activities
• Perform activities involving the use of fingers (e.g. pinching, pushing buttons.)
• Perform activities involving the use of hands (e.g. holding, grasping, turning)
• Engage in physical activities for an extended period of time.

Types of Physical Tasks associated with train service duties

• Tying of hand brakes on the engine, (requiring a “pumping” action up and down at a level below the waist,)
• Mount and dismount engines and cars from uneven surfaces and in all types of weather.
• Operate various designs of track switches (puzzle, spring) and derails (hand-thrown, dual control, electric) to change the route of the engine within yards or on the road
• Check switch points to assure switch is properly aligned
• Align drawbars by lifting, pulling, or pushing on the drawbar
• Pull pin-lifter rod to raise knuckle pin
• Lift and carry objects weighing over 50 lbs. relying on safety rules/experience in handling (lifting, moving, carrying, etc.) them
• Maintain balance while working in or around moving equipment, on uneven terrain, or on track ballast.

Types of Physical functions when working as a conductor

• Get on and off moving or stationary equipment while train is performing industrial, station, or yard switching to set/release hand brakes or to perform other duties.
• Ride moving car by hanging on grab irons or ladder, sometimes for extended period of time
• Climb ladders, stairs, or other structures
• Flag for vehicular traffic at intersections
• Remove/replace broken knuckles weighing up to 85 lbs.
• Inspect the condition of trains/equipment while stationary, sometimes involving walking the length of the train involving distances of more than a mile and frequently over uneven terrain.

Other requirements

• Ability to pass FRA mandated testing including substance abuse, vision, and physicals
• Requires an acceptable driving (DMV) record – clearance by the companies insurance company
• Ability to understand/follow radio communication procedures
• Ability to pass Operating Rules, Train Operating Signals, and Train Handling Test
• Acceptable reading and writing skills (necessary for operations)
• Ability to work up to 12 hour shifts, Holidays and weekends as required
• Ability and willingness to perform Track Worker duties as required