Summary 

Check train brakes and other systems and equipment prior to train run.  Assists locomotive engineer in activities required to operate train safely.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Follows instructions from the locomotive engineer to move trains safely and on time.
• Observes, interprets, understands, recognizes and relays signals from other personnel and acts upon them to ensure proper placement of locomotive and cars.
• Provides instructions via radio or hand signals to engineer to guide movement of locomotive.
• Tends and operates track switches.
• Inspects couplings and air hoses to ensure that they are securely fastened, couples air system between cars, and operates uncoupling levers.
• Visually inspects and tests air brakes.
• Sets and releases hand brakes.
• Inspects freight cars to ensure that they are securely sealed.
• Signals Locomotive Engineer via radio or by hand signals to begin train run.
• Talks to Locomotive Engineer and traffic control center personnel via telephone or radio during run to give or receive instructions or information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
• Loads and unloads freight cars.
• Performs duties needed for inspection and maintenance of railroad cars, locomotives, railroad tracks and mechanical equipment during runs to ensure that train is operating efficiently and safely.
• Maintains records as required.
• Valid drivers’ license is required.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Physical Demands 

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Certain job tasks may require you to wear a half mask respirator in which you will need to meet the osha guidelines based on 1910.134(g)(1)(i).

Work Environment 

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

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Other

Typical hours during our busy production season is 7am-5pm and rare occasions where a Saturday may be required. Typical hours during maintenance season is 7am-3pm and no Saturdays.