Student Conductor / Conductor - Houston, TX

Watco•Houston, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Conductor works with managers, peer trainers, and train crews to learn safe railcar switching using locomotive power and in response to customer requests. Switch crews are responsible for working efficiently, following company and customer safety rules, and completing the required paperwork at the end of each shift. The description is general and illustrative, and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Starting pay is $21.00 per hour, depending on experience. The schedule consists of 12-hour day and night shifts. The position is located at 14035 Industrial Rd., Houston, TX 77015. Watco offers paid on-the-job training with peer trainers, conductor training at its Safe Performance Center, leadership and development programs through Watco University, and career advancement opportunities.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Valid driver's license.
Must be able to pass required training and Conductor Certification testing, typically within one year.
Must be able to pass and obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications required for the position.
Must have or be able to obtain a TWIC card upon hire.
Willingness and ability to obtain locomotive engineer certification after conductor certification.
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English and understand basic math.
Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
Follow written and verbal directions and complete assigned tasks on schedule.
Learn procedures from directions, observations, and mistakes, applying good judgment.
Assist with pre-operation locomotive inspections, including verifying fuel, sand, water, and other requirements.
Read and interpret switching orders from the designated person.
Learn radio, hand, arm, and lantern signals and locomotive operation in accordance with company and customer rules.
Communicate switching information clearly with crews, dispatchers, and other yard workers by radio.
Assist workers with throwing switches and other switching activities.
Apply and release hand brakes using hand brake wheels or ratchet-type brakes.
Observe track for potential obstructions.
Assist with post-operation locomotive inspections to identify damaged or defective equipment.
Assist with maintaining records of switched cars, including numbers, origin, destination, and cargo.
Assist in coordinating switching crew activities from the locomotive cab or another on-site location.
Raise coupling levers to couple or uncouple cars.
Throw track switches and signals to facilitate shunting cars.
Move cars using lanterns, hand signals, or radio.
Connect air hoses when making up trains.
Ride in the locomotive cab and observe signals from other crew members.
Assist with minor repairs to couplings and air hoses and report equipment requiring major repairs.
Perform other duties as assigned or required.