Railway Conductor Trainee

City of Tacoma • Tacoma, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Tacoma Rail is establishing a hiring roster for entry-level Railway Conductor Trainees. The 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, trainees learn safe train operations, switching procedures, and compliance with federal, state, and local railway regulations. Successful candidates develop the knowledge, skills, and certifications needed to advance to Railway Conductor. Prior railroad experience is not necessary; training is provided. Railroading requires significant outdoor work in challenging conditions, flexibility, willingness to learn, and the ability to perform multiple tasks while maintaining a strong focus on safety and efficiency. The position is safety-sensitive and subject to federally regulated requirements. Pay depends on qualifications and experience, and collective bargaining unit terms apply.

The role involves working outdoors in severe weather and around noise, fumes, dust, and other environmental hazards. Personal protective equipment is required. The work is physically demanding and involves lifting, climbing, walking on uneven surfaces, and other physical activities. Trainees may handle hazardous material shipments in railcars. This is a full-time role with irregular, varying schedules and on-call availability 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Employees must be able to report within two hours of notification and may work up to 12 hours per shift, with duty locations that may change frequently.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 18 years of age by the date of hire.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License at appointment and maintenance of the license thereafter.
• Pass a non-DOT medical review, pre-employment DOT drug and alcohol screening, physical agility test, and 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).
• Ability to work outdoors in varied and extreme weather, around noise, fumes, dust, and other environmental hazards.
• Ability to lift and exert force to push or pull heavy objects up to 80 pounds; climb ladders and rail equipment; and stand or walk for long periods, including on uneven surfaces.
• Ability to work varying and irregular schedules 24/7, including on-call shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays; report to work within two hours of notification; and work up to 12 hours per shift.
• Ability to report for duty at a variety of locations that may change frequently.
• Commitment to safety, a strong work ethic, ability to learn technical procedures, and willingness to work outdoors in a physically demanding railroad environment.
• Wear required safety equipment, including ear plugs and leather work boots with a defined heel and full ankle support.

Nice To Haves

• Work experience in a transportation or logistics environment.

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.
• 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 during 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.

What This Job Offers

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