Conductor

Company Overview

Join Watco and contribute to keeping the global supply chain operational daily. Our team operates across various sites including short line railroads, switching yards, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. United as one team, Watco offers a supportive culture and growth opportunities.

Work Schedule and Compensation

The position operates Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 3 PM, with a pay rate of $25.00 per hour.

Role Summary

The conductor/engineer oversees and directs train movements during the switching of railcars within yards, industrial plants, or similar facilities. The objective is to ensure railcar loading and unloading happens in a safe and efficient manner while serving customers. This physically demanding role requires mastering specified skills and responsibilities during a defined training period.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain reliable and punctual attendance.
• Complete assigned tasks by following verbal and written instructions within schedules.
• Communicate effectively in English and understand basic mathematics.
• Learn from observations, instructions, and experiences, applying sound judgment and procedures.
• Interpret switching orders received from designated personnel.
• Supervise and coordinate train crew activities.
• Operate locomotives safely according to railroad rules, using radio and hand signals.
• Perform locomotive movements such as moving backward or forward to switch and couple railcars, responding to signals like arms or lanterns.
• Read and understand wayside signals, track warrants, bulletins, and railroad regulations to operate according to safety and timing requirements.
• Receive and relay instructions related to the switching of railcars using radio, telephone, hand, or verbal signals.
• Communicate switching information with crew and yard workers via radio.
• Coordinate with train dispatcher through radio for operational updates including stops and delays.
• Direct track switch operations and coupling or uncoupling of cars, assisting or performing manual actions as necessary.
• Operate handbrake equipment safely including turning wheels or ratchets to apply or release brakes.
• Inspect tracks for obstructions and conduct locomotive inspections after runs to identify damage or defects.
• Maintain detailed records of railcars' numbers, origins, destinations, and cargo.
• Lead switching crew activities from the locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower as needed.
• Manage coupling levers to connect or disconnect railcars.
• Attach air hoses to cars during train makeup using physical effort.
• Set emergency warning signals such as flares, flags, or lanterns to alert oncoming trains during emergency stops.
• Perform minor equipment repairs on couplings and air hoses and report major issues.
• Assist and communicate with engineers and other crew members for safe and efficient switching operations.
• Carry out additional duties as required.

Qualifications and Education

• Ability to successfully complete training and pass necessary tests.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Additional Information

This role involves manual labor and requires physical capability for tasks such as coupling air hoses and maneuvering equipment. Training and development opportunities are provided including paid on-the-job training with experienced peer trainers and leadership programs through Watco University. Career progression and competitive compensation and benefits are part of the offered package. The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 3 PM.