Railway Conductor Trainee

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

2d•$32 - $39

About The Position

The Railway Conductor Trainee is an entry-level position intended to prepare candidates for a career as a Railway Conductor through classroom instruction, hands-on field training, and practical experience in rail operations. Under direct supervision, trainees learn safe train operations, switching procedures, and compliance with federal, state, and local railway regulations, and develop the knowledge, skills, and certifications needed to advance to Railway Conductor. The position involves significant outdoor work in challenging conditions, variable and irregular schedules, and physically demanding tasks. Trainees assist with railcar switching, spotting operations, and revenue train movements; communicate with train crews; maintain routine records; and learn railroad operating rules and safety procedures. The position is subject to federally regulated safety-sensitive requirements, including required screenings and qualifications. The company emphasizes accident prevention and workplace safety.

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 appointment and maintained thereafter.
Pass a non-DOT medical review, pre-employment DOT drug and alcohol screening, physical agility test, and Department of Homeland Security background check.
Obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within 60 days of appointment and maintain it thereafter.
Meet visual and hearing acuity standards under §242.105(d).
Able to work varying and irregular schedules, including on-call shifts at any time, nights, weekends, and holidays; report to work within two hours of notification; and work shifts of up to 12 hours.
Able to work outdoors in severe and varied weather and around noise, fumes, dust, and other environmental hazards.
Able to perform physical tasks including lifting, pushing, and pulling; the posting lists lifting up to 75 pounds under Working Conditions and up to 80 pounds under Physical Requirements.
Able to stand and walk for extended periods on uneven surfaces and climb ladders, railcars, and other equipment.
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 outdoors in a physically demanding railroad environment.

Nice To Haves

Work experience in a transportation or logistics environment is beneficial.

Responsibilities

Assist the Railway Conductor with safe and efficient railcar switching, spotting operations, and revenue train movements.
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.
Use standard hand signals, lantern signals, and radio communications to direct train movements, including starting, stopping, and reversing operations, while communicating with Locomotive Engineers and train crews.
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 to qualify for advancement to Railway Conductor.
Safely handle hazardous material shipments in railcars.

Benefits

Medical coverage for eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental coverage for eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid holidays and paid leave, including sick/vacation leave or personal time off depending on union affiliation and appointment type.
Long-term disability coverage; short-term and expanded long-term disability plans are also available.
Coverage under the State Industrial Insurance Act.
Deferred compensation program with pretax contributions.
Participation in the Employees' Retirement System, subject to stated exclusions.
Continuing education and advancement opportunities.
Company-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Regular progression of salary increases for most classifications, based on satisfactory job performance.