Switchman - WES

BROE Group and it's managed affiliates•Green River, WY

About The Position

The Switchman is a cross-functional role supporting the Transportation, Engineering, and Mechanical Departments. The position oversees trains, freight, and crews; operates track switches; couples and uncouples cars; places cars for loading and unloading; and positions cars and engines in rail yards and on the main railroad. It also installs and repairs railroad track within an assigned territory, performs track maintenance, and complies with applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rules and regulations. The role performs inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and installation of locomotive mechanical, air, and electrical systems. Equipment may include diesel engines, motors, generators, wheels, air brakes, wiring, lighting systems, and other mechanical and electrical components. The Switchman demonstrates the company values of safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork while supporting successful relationships with customers and employees. The work involves yard, railroad, and construction/field environments, with exposure to varied weather conditions. Daily travel may be required during scheduled work hours. Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shifts. The role has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Valid state driver’s license; pass DOT medical certification and maintain a Drivers Qualification File; pass DOT drug and alcohol testing if applicable.
Ability to operate hand tools, including wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, and measuring tapes.
Ability to operate power tools and hydraulic equipment, including portable grinders, rail saws, spike pullers, track-wrench machines, power drills, and track jacks.
Ability to understand and carry out detailed but uninvolved written or verbal instructions.
Ability to read and follow safety manuals, operating and maintenance instructions, test materials, drawings, schematics, procedure manuals, and gauges and dials on precision measuring tools.
Ability to perform basic shop math, including calculating area, circumference, length, distance, and volume.
Ability to write legibly, complete routine reports, and complete required testing.
Familiarity with and adherence to track safety standards.
Ability to pass written examinations on safe train operations and maintenance-of-way standards.
Familiarity with Roadway Workers’ Protection (RWP).
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally with employees and business associates at all levels.
Basic computer skills.
Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Professional integrity and accountability.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling tools and equipment, and working on uneven surfaces.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in rail transportation, supply chain logistics, manufacturing, and/or oil and gas industries.
High school diploma or GED.
Backhoe operation experience.
Class A CDL.

Responsibilities

Move trains safely in yards and over roads.
Operate track switches, inspect railcar equipment, and use radio communications to control train movement.
Inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, and install locomotive mechanical, air, and electrical systems and components.
Assist and instruct train crews in coupling and uncoupling cars, operating switches, and making minor railcar repairs, including replacing couplings or air-brake hoses.
Communicate with locomotive engineers and others in the yard using proper hand signals and radio protocols.
Direct railcar and train movements using lantern, hand, flag, or radio signals to communicate when to start, stop, back up, or set and release air brakes.
Observe, interpret, and relay signals and other indications affecting train movement.
Visually inspect track switches and operate them to change the direction of engines or cars; apply or release hand brakes as needed.
Operate locomotives and their throttle, brake, valve, and other controls; interpret gauges and controls and operate equipment inside and outside the cab.
Follow directions from conductors and brakemen.
Work independently or with train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and service locomotives, including brake shoes, oil, sand, and fuel.
Comply with railroad safety and operating rules and regulations, including applicable FRA requirements.
Work safely in construction and field environments.
Operate spike pullers, spike drivers, and other equipment to construct and maintain railroad tracks.
Raise rail with a track jack to remove or install railroad ties.
Drill holes in rails for bolt insertion, operate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen rail-joint bolts, and use rail saws to cut rails to specified lengths.
Drive company vehicles and perform CDL work when required by location and qualifications.
Complete inspection and repair reports according to company and FRA specifications and guidelines.
Perform locomotive diagnostics, component installation, repairs, and periodic inspections according to applicable federal and company specifications.
Maintain DOT qualifications, wear required protective equipment, and work safely to prevent accidents and injuries.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.