PASSENGER CONDUCTOR TRAINEE - 90263131 - Washington

Amtrak•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Passenger Conductor Trainee supports safe and efficient passenger train operations while learning the duties of a conductor. The role combines customer service and operational work, including assisting passengers, supporting the Conductor and onboard staff, responding professionally to service disruptions, performing safety checks, and communicating with crew members, dispatchers, and customers. Trainees may be assigned to on-corridor or off-corridor locations. Work may include preparing trains in rail yards, operating track switches, connecting and disconnecting rail cars, working around locomotives, and occasionally performing tasks beneath rail equipment. The position is physically demanding, primarily outdoors, and may involve all weather conditions and work around active tracks and moving equipment. New hires must attend a seven- to eight-week training program in Wilmington, Delaware, with full attendance required. Training combines classroom instruction in safety, customer service, and operating procedures with on-the-job training at the assigned crew base. After training, conductors are placed on an extra board. Assignments are typically communicated about three hours in advance, and employees must report at least 40 minutes before departure. The position has no set schedule or shift-swap capability and may involve long and variable shifts, including shifts exceeding 18 hours or spanning multiple days, nights, weekends, holidays, and extended periods away from home. The position is unionized, and membership is required. The hourly rate is $24.38, with opportunities for increases under the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of full-time verifiable work experience and/or college coursework, with a combination accepted to total two years.
Demonstrated work experience showing responsibility, initiative, and leadership characteristics.
Satisfactory attendance and adherence to safe work practices in previous employment.
Live within a two-hour commute of the Crew Base.
Ability to lift 50 pounds and meet Federal Railroad Administration vision, color vision, and hearing standards specified in 49 CFR 242.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Willingness and ability to attend the full seven- to eight-week training program in Wilmington, Delaware, potentially involving extended time away from home.
Ability to work an extra-board schedule without set shifts or shift swaps, including long and variable shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and extended periods away from home.
Ability to stand and remain on one's feet for extended periods.
If currently holding a driver's license, successfully clear a motor vehicle record review after a conditional offer of employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading or supporting others in a work or team setting.
Customer service experience involving cash handling.
Work history demonstrating adaptability 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 rules, safety rules, movement orders, and service plans are understood and followed by the operating crew.
Support safe train operations in passenger and non-passenger settings, including yard duty and work trains.
Enforce safety procedures, respond to emergencies, and assist passengers safely while boarding and detraining.
Perform yard operations, moving around and between train cars and carrying, positioning, and connecting air hoses and electrical cables for train assembly and inspection.
Sort and organize checked baggage on long-distance trains by final destination and support its tracking, unloading, and transfer.
Assist passengers, make onboard announcements, provide service and connection information, manage passenger conduct, and address service disruptions and special needs.
Collect fares and verify revenue documentation in accordance with 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, working 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.