Engineer/Conductor

Req #644Ottawa, IL, USA Job Description

Posted Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 8:00 AM POSITION SUMMARY

The Engineer/Conductor oversees the train, freight, and crew: operates track switches, couples, and uncouples cars and places cars to facilitate loading and unloading, places cars and engines in rail yards and on the main railroad; operates trains safely by complying with operating rules and train handling policies to transport freight in a satisfactory manner. Executes the mechanical operation of the train, train speed, and handling. Ensures clear communication with dispatcher and track authority; receives, relays, or acts upon oral, written, or radio instructions from dispatcher, yardmaster or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad cars and/or a train. Performs work safely, effectively, and efficiently in accordance with company policies and procedures and Federal Railroad Association rules and regulations to meet company objectives. The Locomotive Engineer/Conductor demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees that result in OmniTRAX’s continued success. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operation, and the FRA

Move trains safely in the yards and over roads

Manipulate throttle and brake controls; interprets gauges and controls

Operate valves and switches both inside and outside of the cab, including applying and releasing handbrakes

Operate track switches, inspect equipment on cars and use radio communications to control train movement

Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars: including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses

Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety

Review instructions from Trainmaster and discuss with train crew

Coordinate execution of railcar switch list

Communicate with other parties in the yard using proper hand signals and/or radio communication protocol

Adhere to directions from conductors and brakemen

Conduct the movement of rail cars and train movements; signal crew member(s) for movement of the engine or train using lantern, hand and flag signals, or radio to indicate when to start, stop, and back-up or set and release air brakes

Observe, interpret, and relay arm, lantern, or radio signals and all other indications affecting movement of a train

Operate track switches (visually checks switch condition and direction) to change the direction of the engine or cars within yard limits or on the main railroad; may apply or release hand brakes to switch or perform other duties

Read and understand the book of rules, timetables, bulletins, train orders, waybills, placards, safety instructions, and other written or printed material

Prepare required daily reports, switch lists (manually or with a computer), and fill out forms including train orders

Inspect the condition of the train and equipment in movement and while stationary

May couple air and electrical connections between locomotives when making up trains

Judge speed and distance of moving objects or parts

Recall information required from work activity OTHER DUTIES

Report to work as called on a 24-hour schedule

Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries

Wear required protective equipment such as: hard hats, hearing protection, safety-toe boots or safety glasses

Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime and various shift work

Perform other duties and projects as assigned SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

High School Diploma/GED

2-3 years of Train Services experience

Aptitude in the Transportation field and desire to learn

Pass post-offer job and health related examinations including: operating rules examination, vision and hearing test

Comply with all new and outstanding railroad instructions regarding the operation of the train

Read, comprehend and comply with published rules, procedures and manuals, inspection checklists, government regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, memos and other work-related information

Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite

Write legibly to complete routine reports and other work documents

Effectively communicate and demonstrate interpersonal skills with all level of employees, and business associates in a clear concise and professional manner

Demonstrate problem solving and troubleshooting skills resulting in effective resolution

Professional integrity and accountability

Work in fast-paced, collaborative environment REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

Valid State Driver’s License

FRA Conductor Certified

FRA Locomotive Engineer Certified: required post hire PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Previous experience in Rail Transportation, Supply Chain Logistics, Manufacturing and/or Oil & Gas industries PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

None WORK ENVIRONMENT

Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by the weather including: snow, rain, heat, and sub-freezing temps; loud noise and fumes from gas, oil and grease PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Strength Occ Freq Cons Weight/ Force Side Height From Height To Lifting - Knuckle X 85 lb Two Hands 0 in 46 in Strength Occ Freq Cons Weight/ Force Side Height Rotation Grip Pattern Pushing - Auto Rack Brake X 83 lb Two Hands in Neutral Cylinder Pushing - Ergo Bow Switch X lb Two Hands 35 in Neutral Cylinder Pulling - Pin Lifter X 86 lb Either 25 in Neutral Cylinder Pulling - Wheel Brake Tank Car X lb Right 36 in Neutral Hook Pulling - Wheel Brake Hopper Car X lb Right 36 in Neutral Hook Pulling - Ground Switch X lb Two Hands 5 in Supinated Cylinder Pulling - Derail X lb Two Hands 7 in Pronated Cylinder Pulling - Ergo Bow Switch X lb Two Hands 35 in Neutral Cylinder Pulling - High Stand Switch X 87 lb Two Hands 36 in Pronated Cylinder Pulling - Align Knuckle X lb Two Hands 35 in Neutral Hook Grip & Pinch Occ Freq Cons Weight/ Force Side Rotation Grip Setting/Type Hand Grip - Hose Coupling Grip X 47 lb Left Neutral 3 Hand Grip - Hose Coupling Grip X 47 lb Right Neutral 3 Upper Body Occ Freq Cons Description Reaching - Below Knee X Extending hand(s) and arm(s) below the level of the knee. Reaching - Over Shoulder X Extending hand(s) and arm(s) above shoulder level. Reaching - Knee to Shoulder X Extending hand(s) and arm(s) between knee and shoulder level. Handling - Both X Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hands. Fingering - Fine Motor Manipulation X Picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers. Cervical Flexion/Extension X Flexing and/or extending at the cervical spine. Rotation - Cervical X Rotating at the cervical spine. Rotation - Thoracic & Lumbar X Rotating at the thoracic and lumbar spine. Lower Body Occ Freq Cons Description Sitting X Remaining in a seated position. Standing X Remaining on one’s feet in an upright position without moving about. Walking X Moving about on foot. Climbing X Ascending or descending between two points. Balancing X Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling. Stooping X Bending body forward by bending spine at the waist. Kneeling - Two Knees X Bending legs at knees to come to rest on one or both knees. Crouching/Squatting X Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine. Other Physical Demands Occ Freq Cons Type/Position/Description Vision X Per FRA Requirements Hearing X Per FRA Requirements *Occ=Occasional; defined as 1-33% of a usual and customary workday.

*Freq=Frequent; defined as 34-66% of a usual and customary workday.

*Cons=Constant; defined as 67-100% of a usual and customary workday. ** Not all tasks required at each location. Position and physical demand is representative, but individualized assessment may be necessary.