Engineer/Conductor - CRL

Broe•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Engineer/Conductor oversees trains, freight, and crew operations. The role operates train controls and track switches; couples and uncouples railcars; and positions cars and engines in rail yards and on the main railroad to support loading, unloading, and freight transportation. The Engineer/Conductor operates trains safely in accordance with operating rules, train-handling policies, company procedures, and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rules and regulations. The role maintains communication with dispatchers and track authorities and receives, relays, or acts on oral, written, and radio instructions about train and railcar movements. The position demonstrates the company values of safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork. It may require reporting as called on a 24-hour schedule, overtime, nonstandard workweeks, and various shifts. The work environment includes exposure to outdoor weather conditions, loud noise, and fumes from gas, oil, and grease. Physical demands include lifting, pushing, pulling, gripping, reaching, handling, fine motor tasks, sitting, standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching or squatting. Vision and hearing must meet FRA requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
2–3 years of Train Services experience.
Aptitude in the transportation field and desire to learn.
Pass post-offer job- and health-related examinations, including an operating rules examination and vision and hearing tests.
Comply with new and outstanding railroad instructions regarding train operation.
Read, comprehend, and comply with published rules, procedures, manuals, inspection checklists, government regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, memos, and other work-related information.
Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite.
Write legibly to complete routine reports and other work documents.
Communicate effectively and demonstrate interpersonal skills with employees at all levels and business associates in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
Demonstrate problem-solving and troubleshooting skills that result in effective resolution.
Demonstrate professional integrity and accountability.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Valid state driver’s license.
FRA Conductor Certified.
FRA Locomotive Engineer certification is required post-hire.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in rail transportation, supply chain logistics, manufacturing, and/or the oil and gas industries.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with railroad safety, operating, and FRA rules and regulations.
Move trains safely in yards and over roads.
Manipulate throttle and brake controls and interpret gauges and controls.
Operate valves and switches inside and outside the cab, including applying and releasing handbrakes.
Operate track switches, inspect railcar equipment, and use radio communications to control train movement.
Assist and instruct train crews in coupling and uncoupling cars, operating switches, and making minor railcar repairs, including replacing couplings or air brake hoses.
Maintain awareness of the surrounding area and suspicious activity to support rail safety.
Review instructions from the Trainmaster and discuss them with the train crew.
Coordinate execution of railcar switch lists.
Communicate with other yard personnel using proper hand signals and radio protocols.
Follow directions from conductors and brakemen.
Conduct railcar and train movements; signal crew members to start, stop, back up, and set or release air brakes using lanterns, hand or flag signals, or radio.
Observe, interpret, and relay arm, lantern, and radio signals and other indications affecting train movement.
Visually check track switch condition and direction, operate switches to change the direction of engines or cars, and apply or release hand brakes as needed.
Read and understand rule books, timetables, bulletins, train orders, waybills, placards, safety instructions, and other written materials.
Prepare daily reports, switch lists (manually or by computer), train orders, and other required forms.
Inspect train and equipment conditions while moving and while stationary.
Couple air and electrical connections between locomotives when making up trains, as needed.
Judge the speed and distance of moving objects or parts and recall information required from work activity.
Report to work as called on a 24-hour schedule.
Work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries and wear required protective equipment.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.