Train Conductor

CPKC•Shreveport, LA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Train Conductor is a foundational, unionized railway role and works as part of a train crew. Conductors assist with switching rail cars, assembling and splitting trains in rail yards, and moving rail cars between rail yards. The position requires close attention to personal and crew safety, unscheduled shift work, extended periods away from home, and outdoor work in varied weather conditions. The role can provide opportunities to advance to Yard Foreperson, Locomotive Engineer, or management. CPKC provides 15 weeks of paid classroom and field training covering safety practices, rules, and operations. Classroom training pays $200 per day; on-the-job training pays $339.09 to $397.20 per day depending on assignment. Once qualified, conductors earn daily rates that vary by assignment and hours, ranging from $376.77 to $496.22. Overtime applies when working beyond the bulletined hours of the job.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma or general equivalency.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to perform physically demanding work, including walking up to 6 miles a day on uneven ground, climbing, and lifting or pulling heavy objects weighing up to 80 pounds on occasion.
Willingness to work unscheduled shifts in a 24/7 operating environment, including shifts of up to 12 hours on days, evenings, and overnights, as well as weekends and holidays.
Ability to report to work within a two-hour call window after scheduled rest.
Excellent focus, attention to detail, and ability to multitask.
Strong communication skills, including giving clear, concise instructions and directions over the radio.
Willingness to work outdoors for long periods in all types of weather.
Ability to pass required physical job tasks and written examinations, and to read and understand English safety instructions, operating rules and regulations, and other written or printed material.
Successful pre-employment medical assessment, including physical, vision, and hearing assessments, and a negative company and/or regulated drug test; post-hire qualification drug testing may also be required.
Successful background investigation, including criminal history, education, driver's license and driving history, Social Security Number verification, and Department of Transportation Background Check 40.25 form.

Responsibilities

Work in train or yard service depending on seniority.
Carry out instructions detailing a train's route and specific movements.
Coordinate switching cars, including coupling and uncoupling cars and lifting out coupling devices.
Observe, interpret, and relay signals and other indications affecting train movement.
Signal crew members using specified signals or radio to direct engine or train movement, including starting, stopping, backing up, and setting or releasing air brakes.
Understand and follow the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), general orders, and bulletins.
Provide flag protection and relay signals to trains in emergency situations.
Move on and off moving or stationary equipment.
Complete forms, including train orders and switch lists, and prepare clear, legible reports.
Handle emergency situations, operate fire extinguishers, and apply first-aid techniques.