Assistant Conductor Trainee

Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation•Jamaica, NY

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Conductor Trainee will perform groundwork such as lining switches, operating derails, protecting movements, applying/releasing/testing brakes, coupling/uncoupling cars, opening/aligning/carrying coupler knuckles, connecting air hoses, installing/removing/moving telemetry devices, flagging crossings, opening/closing gates, and assisting the Engineer in positioning the train by signaling and transmitting information. This role is responsible for the safe delivery of all freight and for the preparation and communication of records and data. The position may also involve supplying, inspecting, and performing minor repairs on locomotives, cars, and other equipment. The Assistant Conductor assists the Conductor in supervising and coordinating train crews and is responsible for the safe performance of duties in compliance with all applicable government regulations, Company rules and policies, and safe job procedures. The role requires the ability to give and interpret hand signals, track flags, and signals, and excellent communication and decision-making skills. Vision, color, and hearing acuity as specified in 49 CFR Part 242 and/or other applicable regulations are required. The ability to read and speak English clearly, and to read and transmit information via multiple media including written, radio, and computer equipment is necessary. Phone access is required for receiving calls and work notifications. Regular and timely attendance is expected, with work potentially on a 24-hour on-call basis, 7 days a week. The role requires the ability to react/adapt to a changing environment and respond effectively and safely in emergency situations. To become an Assistant Conductor, the new hire trainee must pass the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) Assistant Conductor Certification Test, the LIRR Book of Rules test, and GCOR Certification. Assistant Conductors must successfully promote to Conductor and then to Engineer within a timeframe set by the railroad and consistent with the applicable labor agreement. The hiring process includes company orientation, LIRR Definitions and Signals exams, a computer assessment test, and an individual interview. AI tools may be used to support parts of the hiring process.

Requirements

Experience in at least one of the following: relevant U.S. military experience, experience in a trade (welder, machinist, etc.), in an outdoor job (construction, laborer, etc.), as a CDL-A or B truck driver, warehousing and/or heavy equipment operation.
Knowledge and understanding of and compliance with all operating rules, safety rules and safe work procedures, applicable FRA, TSA and other government regulations, and all company rules, policies and procedures are required.
Required to pass company and regulatory certification requirements and periodic examinations and performance metrics.
Ability to give and interpret hand signals, track flags, and signals.
Excellent communication and decision-making skills are required.
Vision, color, and hearing acuity as specified in 49 CFR Part 242 and/or other applicable regulations.
Ability to read and speak English clearly.
Ability to read and transmit information via multiple media including written, radio and computer equipment.
Required to have phone access to receive calls and work notification from Railroad.
Requires regular and timely attendance; work may be on a 24 hour on call basis 7 days a week consistent and in accordance with FRA regulatory requirements and Company policy.
Ability to react/adapt to changing environment and respond effectively and safely in emergency situations.
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Associates degree is preferred.
CDL is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Performs groundwork such as lining switches; operating derails; protecting movements; applying/releasing/testing brakes; coupling/uncoupling cars; opening, aligning and carrying coupler knuckles; connecting air hoses; installing, removing and/or moving telemetry devices; flagging crossings, opening/closing gates; and assisting the Engineer in positioning the train by signaling and transmitting of information to the Engineer.
Responsible for safe delivery of all freight carried by the train and for preparation and communication of records and data.
May supply, inspect and perform minor repairs on locomotives, cars, and other equipment.
Responsible for the safe performance of duties in compliance with all applicable government regulations, Company rules and policies, and safe job procedures.
Supervises and coordinates the activities of train crews (as Conductor) and assists in these duties (as Assistant Conductor).
Notifies Engineer of switching orders and which cars are to be moved to specified locations, using electronic systems, radio, or telephone; or verbal or hand signals.
Receives, delivers, prepares and/or transmits reports, waybills, car placement information, bills of lading, switch lists and other information and data via electronic systems, phone and/or written reports.
Supervises and assists in making up train, picking up cars, delivering cars, classifying, and switching cars.
Notifies the dispatcher or designated manager(s) of all incidents including damage to cars and lading, defective equipment and incidents involving railroad employees or third parties.
Inspects and removes snow, mud and/or debris from turnouts and flangeways, and ensures alignment of switch points.
Inspects cars (including cabooses, if applicable) and locomotives including couplings, air hoses, air pressure, brakes, trucks, rigging, load securement, and general condition.
Reports all problems or defects to Engineer and designated managers.
Performs minor repairs to cars (including cabooses, if applicable) and locomotives, including couplers, air hoses, brake shoes, bearings, and other equipment.
Assists other workers engaged in maintenance and repair of cars (including cabooses, if applicable) and locomotives.
Rides on locomotive or cars to observe track, switches, signals, and crossings.
Confirms signal aspects with Engineer while riding in locomotive.
Trains and coaches crew members on safe and efficient work practices and rules compliance.
Ensures locomotives (and cabooses and highway vehicles if used in the course of work) are supplied with fuel, consumables, proper tools, equipment, and safety equipment.
Services and supplies as necessary.
Assists other railroad crews or the crews of foreign railroads operating on railroad property.
May be assigned to operate a highway vehicle to assist railroad crews or the crews of foreign railroads operating on railroad property.
Displays warning signals, such as flares, flags, or lanterns, during potentially hazardous or emergency situations.
Contacts and interacts with customers as deemed appropriate by Railroad.
Supports and assists Engineer and other employees in completion of duties.
Relieves other employees.
Safely operates company vehicles.
Conducts vehicle inspections per Company policies and procedures.
Services and supplies company vehicles as needed.
Determines that subordinates/peers are familiar with their duties and ascertains extent of experience and knowledge of the rules.
Job briefs and instructs on proper, safe and efficient performance of work including identification of risks.
Performs duties listed in the attached Job Task Analysis and incorporated herein.
Performs other duties as assigned.