Conductor/engineer

Conductor/Engineer Position

Cathcart Rail, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a leading freight rail services and transportation company. We employ more than 800 employees in more than 100 locations across 26 states and operate the largest railcar services network in the industry, encompassing 11 large railcar repair facilities and more than 75 field services locations in addition to a rail services division that operates three short line railroads and a dozen contract switching and transloading sites.

Our Conductor/Engineers are responsible for the operation and movement of locomotives and railcars and other railroad equipment in full compliance with all FRA, AAR, and company rules and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform work in a safe and efficient manner and wear all required PPE while performing job duties.
• Must be able to operate locomotives, interpret train orders, railroad rules, and pass written tests to verify competency.
• Monitors the speed, brakes, and other gauges to make sure the ride is smooth and is operating correctly.
• Monitors track conditions for anomalies (such as broken rails, defective switches, and weather-related problems), inspects railcars in compliance with Federal Railroad Administration regulations of 49 CFR.
• Responsible for safely and efficiently operating locomotives and trains (of primarily freight railcars).
• Works as a conductor, or with conductors to obtain information related to train movement and track authority, acts on instructions received by means of various communication.
• Provides information on train stops, reports, and explains accidents and unscheduled stops and delays.
• Assemble/Switch trains per work orders, and service customers with zero errors.
• Operate locomotives in a safe efficient manner in compliance with GCOR, ABTH, and Safety Book.
• Conducts the movement of rail cars and train movements; signals crew member(s) for movement of the engine or train using lantern, hand and/or flag signals, or radio to indicate when to start, stop, and back up or set and release air brakes.
• Observes, interprets, and relays arm, lantern, or radio signals and all other indications affecting the movement of a train.
• Operates track switches (visually checks switch condition and direction) to change the direction of the engine or cars within yard limits or on the main track; may apply or release hand brakes to switch or perform other duties.
• Reads and understands the book of rules, timetables, bulletins, train orders, waybills, placards, safety instructions, and other written or printed material.
• Prepares required daily reports, switch lists (manually or with a computer), and fills out forms including train orders and inspection forms.
• Inspects the condition of the train and equipment in movement and while stationary.
• May couple air and electrical connections between locomotives when making up trains.
• Will be cross-trained to do other rail-related duties, such as but not limited to minor track repair, servicing locomotives, and General Labor.

Qualifications

Required Education and Credentials:

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid Driver's License
• FRA 240 and 242 Certification

Required Skills and Experience:

• Two years of work experience; three years of relevant experience preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment with all outdoor working conditions.

Physical Requirements:

Position involves performing heavy work, lifting (up to 100 pounds), frequent or constant bending, reaching, and climbing. Must have excellent eye-hand coordination as well as the ability to grasp. Able to operate common and specialized hand tools in performing assigned tasks. Must be able to stand or sit for extended periods of time; walking about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for longer distances; maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, or moving about on uneven and/or slippery ground or equipment.

Must be able to pass a pre-employment Physical and Drug Screen. Must pose at least 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses. An average hearing threshold (in the better ear) of 40 decibels at 500 HZ 1000 HZ and 2000 HZ, aided or unaided. Must be able to recognize and distinguish colors displayed by signals, signs, etc.

Working Conditions:

The location of work performed (out-of-doors) and the tools and material used in the surrounding workplace, expose the incumbent to the following conditions on a regular basis; Weather, noise (from Locomotives, air compressors, and other noisy equipment), vibrations, dust, pollen (seasonal exposure to ragweed and other vegetation). The job requires the individual to follow standard safety procedures, be alert, and take necessary precautions (e.g., wearing/using protective clothes and equipment) to avoid injuries or health problems that may result from: walking on irregular ground, climbing railcars, exposure to irritants/chemicals, working on/around moving equipment and other types of equipment, working at heights and elevations, and exposure to extreme cold and heat for periods of more than one hour. Subject to noise; loud enough to cause a worker to shout to be heard.