About this role
Responsibilities
Responsibilities Include:
- Assist the Railway Conductor in the safe and efficient switching of railcars, spotting operations, and revenue train movements.
- Operate switches and derails; apply and release hand brakes; couple and uncouple railcars and air hose connections; mount and dismount rail equipment; and perform air brake tests under the direction of a Railway Conductor.
- Place railcars at designated customer locations and assist with interchange operations involving Class I railroads.
- Communicate with Locomotive Engineers and train crews using standard hand signals, lantern signals, and radio communications to direct train movements, including starting, stopping, and reversing operations.
- Learn and apply railroad operating rules, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements while participating in classroom and field training programs.
- Maintain routine records and reports, including switch lists, customer requests, and time reports.
- Successfully complete required training programs, examinations, and certifications necessary to qualify for advancement to Railway Conductor.
This position is subject to federally regulated safety-sensitive requirements and all applicants shall be required to meet those standards.
Rate of pay is contingent upon qualifications and experience. Terms of the collective bargaining unit shall apply.
Outdoor Conditions: This position is subject to working in severe weather conditions, around noise, fumes and dust. Use of personal protective equipment is required.
Working Conditions: Lifting up to 75 pounds, climbing, squatting, pushing, pulling and walking on uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, and twisting motions. Incumbents in this position will be responsible for safely handling hazardous material shipments in railcars.
Hours
This is a full-time position; subject to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Must be able to report to work 2 hours after notification and be able to work up to 12 hours per shift.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- No prior railroad experience is necessary, but any work experience in a transportation or logistics environment is beneficial
LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be at least 18 years of age by date of hire
- Non-DOT Medical review
- Pre-employment DOT drug and alcohol screening
- Physical agility test
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License at time of appointment, with maintenance thereafter
- Department of Homeland Security background check, which must result in the issuance of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within 60 days of appointment, with maintenance thereafter
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
- Regularly work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold and precipitation; subject to noise, fumes, dust and other environmental hazards
- Occasionally perform duties requiring physical exertion, including pushing, pulling and lifting heavy objects up to 80 pounds
- Frequently stand / walk for long periods of time; walk on uneven surfaces
- Frequently climb, including climbing ladders, climbing onto railcars and onto other equipment
- Must meet standards for visual acuity and hearing acuity per §242.105(d)
- Safety equipment, such as ear plugs, leather work boots with a defined heel and full ankle support must be worn as required
- Must be able to work varying and irregular schedules 24/7, including on-call shifts, including weekends, nights and holidays, as well as report for duty at a variety of locations that may change frequently
Knowledge & Skills
Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to safety, a strong work ethic, the ability to learn technical procedures, and the willingness to work outdoors in a physically demanding railroad environment. Prior railroad experience is not required; training will be provided.
Our company provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the company Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of company-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the company, except members of the Police and Fire services, our company and certain project employees, are included in the Employees' Retirement System.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the company provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.