Passenger Conductor Trainee - 90267839 - Florence

Amtrak•Florence, SC

22h

About The Position

The Passenger Conductor Trainee supports safe, efficient train operations while learning the responsibilities of a conductor. The role combines customer service with hands-on operational work, including assisting passengers, conducting safety checks, supporting the Conductor and onboard staff, responding professionally to service disruptions, and communicating with crew members, dispatchers, and customers. Trainees may be assigned to on-corridor or off-corridor locations. On-corridor duties may include preparing trains in rail yards, operating track switches, connecting and disconnecting rail cars, working around diesel locomotives, and occasionally performing tasks beneath rail equipment. All assignments are physically demanding and may involve climbing on and off rail equipment, moving between cars, bending, reaching, walking on uneven surfaces, riding alongside slow-moving equipment when required, and lifting or carrying tools and equipment. Most work is outdoors in all types of weather, including in rail yards, on station platforms, and along railroad right-of-way areas. This is a union position requiring membership. Trainees work on an extra board without set schedules or shift-swapping capability. Assignments may be long and variable, including shifts exceeding 18 hours or spanning multiple days, and require availability for nights, weekends, holidays, and extended periods away from home. After training, assignments are typically communicated about three hours in advance, and employees must report to the station at least 40 minutes before departure. New hires must attend a seven- to eight-week training program in Wilmington, Delaware, with full attendance required. Training combines classroom instruction in safety protocols, customer service, and operating procedures with on-the-job training at the assigned Crew base. It may require extended time away from home, particularly for candidates living outside the Northeast Corridor. The position requires a high degree of safety awareness, flexibility, resilience, communication, organization, attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict-management ability. The hourly rate is $24.38, with the opportunity for increases under the applicable collective bargaining agreement after employment begins. Relocation is not offered; travel requirements are up to 100%.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of full-time verifiable work experience and/or college coursework, with a combination accepted, totaling two years.
Demonstrated work experience showing responsibility, initiative, and leadership characteristics.
Satisfactory attendance and adherence to safe work practices in previous employment.
Must live within a two-hour commute of the Crew Base.
Ability to lift 50 pounds.
Must meet Federal Railroad Administration vision, color vision, and hearing standards specified in 49 CFR 242.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Must be willing and able to attend full-time training for seven to eight weeks in Wilmington, Delaware, potentially involving extended time away from home.
Must be available for variable and potentially extended shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and extended periods away from home.
If the applicant has a driver’s license, they must successfully clear a motor vehicle record review after a conditional offer.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading or supporting others in a work or team setting.
Customer service experience involving cash handling.
Work history demonstrating ability to adapt to varying work schedules.
Basic mechanical experience or knowledge, including familiarity with equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

Assist the Conductor with train movements and ensure operating and safety rules, movement orders, and service plans are understood and carried out by the operating crew.
Support safe train operations across passenger and non-passenger operations, including yard duty and work trains.
Promote passenger and crew safety by enforcing safety procedures, responding to emergencies, and assisting passengers during boarding and detraining.
Perform yard work involving continuous movement around and between train cars, including carrying, positioning, and connecting heavy air hoses and electrical cables for train assembly and inspections.
Sort and organize checked baggage on long-distance trains by final destination and ensure accurate tracking, timely unloading, and proper transfer.
Assist passengers, make onboard announcements, provide service and connection information, manage passenger conduct, and address service disruptions and special needs.
Collect and verify fares and revenue documentation according to established tariffs and procedures.
Assist with preparing and submitting reports about delays, incidents, passenger issues, and mechanical concerns.
Communicate professionally with passengers, crew members, and others to support safe operations and quality service, both independently and as part of a team.
Maintain knowledge of train operations, operating rules, safety and emergency procedures, equipment operation, air brake rules, electrical instructions, and troubleshooting practices.
Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor and comply with uniform and grooming standards.