Railway Conductor Trainee

Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation • Tacoma, WA

1d

About The Position

This entry-level, full-time position prepares candidates for a career as a Railway Conductor through classroom instruction, hands-on field training, and practical experience in rail operations. Under direct supervision, the trainee learns safe train operations, switching procedures, and compliance with federal, state, and local railway regulations. Successful candidates develop the knowledge, skills, and certifications required to advance to Railway Conductor. No prior railroad experience is necessary; training is provided. The role requires a strong focus on safety, flexibility, willingness to learn, and the ability to work outdoors in challenging conditions while performing multiple tasks.

The position is safety-sensitive and subject to federally regulated requirements. Employees handle hazardous-material shipments in railcars and work in severe weather, around noise, fumes, dust, and other environmental hazards. Personal protective equipment is required. The role involves variable and irregular schedules, on-call availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Employees may work up to 12 hours per shift, must be able to report within two hours of notification, and may report to frequently changing work locations.

The hourly pay range is $32.18–$39.07, contingent on qualifications and experience. Collective bargaining unit terms apply.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 18 years of age by the date of hire.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License at the time of appointment and maintained thereafter.
• Pass a non-DOT medical review, pre-employment DOT drug and alcohol screening, and physical agility test.
• Pass a Department of Homeland Security background check and obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within 60 days of appointment, maintaining it thereafter.
• Meet visual and hearing acuity standards under §242.105(d).
• Be able to work varying and irregular schedules, including on-call shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays; report within two hours of notification; and work up to 12 hours per shift.
• Be able to work outdoors in varied and extreme weather and around noise, fumes, dust, and other environmental hazards.
• Meet the physical demands of the role, including lifting, pushing, and pulling heavy objects; prolonged standing and walking on uneven surfaces; climbing ladders and rail equipment; and bending, squatting, stooping, and twisting.
• Wear required safety equipment, including ear plugs and leather work boots with a defined heel and full ankle support.
• Demonstrate commitment to safety, a strong work ethic, ability to learn technical procedures, and willingness to work in a physically demanding railroad environment.

Nice To Haves

• Work experience in a transportation or logistics environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Railway Conductor in safely and efficiently switching railcars, performing spotting operations, and moving revenue trains.
• Operate switches and derails; apply and release hand brakes; couple and uncouple railcars and air hose connections; mount and dismount rail equipment; and perform air brake tests under a Railway Conductor’s direction.
• Place railcars at designated customer locations and assist with interchange operations involving Class I railroads.
• Communicate with Locomotive Engineers and train crews using standard hand signals, lantern signals, and radio communications to direct train movements, including starting, stopping, and reversing.
• Learn and apply railroad operating rules, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements through classroom and field training.
• Maintain routine records and reports, including switch lists, customer requests, and time reports.
• Complete required training programs, examinations, and certifications necessary to qualify for advancement to Railway Conductor.
• Safely handle hazardous-material shipments in railcars.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans for eligible employees and families.
• Paid holidays and paid leave, including sick/vacation leave or personal time off depending on union affiliation and appointment type.
• Participation in the Employees’ Retirement System, with an alternate plan for Police/Fire.
• Long-term disability coverage; short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available.
• Deferred compensation plan allowing pretax income to be invested to supplement retirement income.
• Continuing education and advancement opportunities.
• Company-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
• Regular salary progression for most classifications based on satisfactory job performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED