Rail Conductor

Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority•Austin, TX

54d•Onsite

About The Position

The Rail Conductor reports directly to the Manager of Rail Transportation and plays a vital role in the safe, efficient, and customer-focused operation of CapMetro commuter rail service. This position is responsible for supporting daily passenger train operations by ensuring train movements, onboard activities, and customer interactions are performed in accordance with CapMetro operating rules, policies, and applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations. Rail Conductors serve as frontline safety and customer service professionals, requiring strong communication skills, situational awareness, and sound judgment in dynamic operating environments. Conductors work closely with train crews, dispatching personnel, and field supervision to support passenger, freight, and excursion services while delivering a high level of service to CapMetro customers.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Three (3) years of passenger or freight railroad operating experience.
Ability to successfully complete and maintain Rail Conductor training and qualification, including certification under the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) and CapMetro operating rules.
Ability to qualify on assigned territory, equipment, and operating rules within established timeframes.
Ability to meet and maintain safety-sensitive position requirements, including: DOT/FRA medical qualification, Vision and hearing standards (including color vision), Drug and alcohol testing requirements.
Subject to pre-employment background check and motor vehicle report review.
Maintain a valid driver’s license and endorsements as required per position.
Successfully complete and maintain any required safety certification and testing on an annual basis.
Knowledge and ability to understand, interpret, and comply with the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), including rules governing train movements, signal indications, operating authority, radio communications, and on-track safety.
Ability to remain calm, focused, and compliant with rules in time-sensitive, high-pressure environments.
Ability to safely perform conductor duties in a dynamic, safety-sensitive rail operating environment, including onboard trains, station platforms, yards, sidings, and mainline track territory.
Strong situational awareness and judgment to recognize hazards, abnormal conditions, and emergency situations, and to take appropriate safety-focused action in accordance with operating rules and procedures.
Ability to use required communication devices and electronic reporting tools, including radios, headsets, and onboard systems.
Ability to clearly and accurately communicate verbally and via radio, including receiving, repeating, and complying with train orders, dispatcher instructions, and signal indications using proper railroad terminology.
Ability to coordinate effectively with locomotive engineers, dispatching personnel, field supervision, and other crew members to ensure safe and efficient train operations.
Ability to perform ground-based duties, including switching, flagging, and protection of train movements and work zones, in accordance with GCOR and on-track safety requirements.
Ability to provide professional customer service, assist passengers, make announcements as required, and respond calmly and appropriately to passenger needs during routine operations and service disruptions.
Ability to respond to service delays, incidents, unscheduled stops, or emergencies by following established procedures, communicating clearly, and assisting passengers as required.
Ability to accurately document and report operational events, incidents, delays, and rule-related issues in accordance with CapMetro reporting requirements.

Nice To Haves

This position is open exclusively to CURRENT Herzog employees.

Responsibilities

Perform duties associated with the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of commuter rail service in compliance with all applicable railroad operating rules, train orders, signal indications, radio communications, regulatory requirements, and CapMetro policies and procedures.
Promote and maintain a safe work environment for employees, passengers, and the public by performing switching, flagging, and other ground-based operational duties in accordance with established safety and operating standards.
Provide professional customer service by assisting passengers, answering questions, conducting fare inspections, and responding appropriately to service disruptions and operational issues.
Identify and report operational, equipment, safety, or service concerns; perform authorized troubleshooting and limited corrective actions when appropriate; and prepare accurate reports and notifications related to accidents, incidents, delays, unscheduled stops, and other operational events.
Perform duties supporting the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of commuter rail service in compliance with CapMetro operating rules, policies, FRA regulations, the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), timetables, special instructions, train orders, signal indications, and radio communications.
Support train operations by coordinating with locomotive engineers, dispatchers, and field personnel; performing switching, flagging, and other ground-based duties; monitoring operating conditions; and maintaining situational awareness to ensure safe train movements, roadway worker protection, and service reliability.
Respond to service disruptions, delays, incidents, and emergency situations by following established procedures, communicating effectively with appropriate personnel, assisting passengers as needed, identifying and reporting hazards, troubleshooting minor operational or equipment issues, and performing authorized corrective actions when appropriate.
Provide professional customer service; assist with passenger communications and fare inspections; prepare accurate reports and documentation related to operational events; participate in required safety activities; and maintain regular, reliable attendance consistent with the safety-sensitive nature of rail operations.
Support Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Safety Management Systems (SMS) process by ensuring staff follows safety and security policies, considers safety in every action, and ensures safety and security concerns are reported.
Perform other rail-related duties as assigned.