
Railway Conductor
City of Tacoma, Tacoma, WA, United States
Tacoma Rail has provided rail transportation as a public entity since 1914. With 16 locomotives, more than 100 employees and approximately 43 miles of track in two operating divisions within Pierce County, Tacoma Rail provides key freight connections for customers in the greater Tacoma Washington area, handling in excess of 100,000 freight shipments per year.
Tacoma Rail is establishing a hiring roster for Railway Conductors to coordinate the daily activities of train crews; supervise the operation and administration of trains and receive information and instructions for performing work assignments. Conductors must ensure that trains are operated safely and efficiently and that all rules are observed, acting responsibly to prevent accidents, incidents, or rules violations.
Railroading requires a willingness to spend significant time outdoors in often challenging conditions; candidates should be flexible, willing to learn, and capable of performing multiple tasks while remaining focused on safety and efficiency.
One of Tacoma Rail's keys to success is providing a safe work environment for employees, and the organization promotes a culture that makes safety its highest priority.
Responsibilities
Supervise and participate in assembling/spotting unit trains, coupling and uncoupling railcars, and general yard switching and classification.
Operate railroad switches and use radio communication and standard hand and lantern signals to direct Locomotive Engineer.
Perform industrial switching and keep records of cars switched; keep time reports for self and other crew members.
Inspect railcars and report any defects; make timely reports of any accidents or incidents.
This position is subject to federally regulated safety‑sensitive requirements and all applicants shall be required to meet those standards.
Rate of pay is contingent upon qualifications and experience. Terms of the collective bargaining unit shall apply.
Outdoor Conditions
This position is subject to working in severe weather conditions, around noise, fumes and dust. Use of personal protective equipment is required.
Working Conditions
Lifting up to 75 pounds, climbing, squatting, pushing, pulling, and walking on uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, and twisting motions. Incumbents will be responsible for safely handling hazardous material shipments in railcars.
Shifts / Hours
This is a full‑time position; subject to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Must be able to report to work within 2 hours of notification and be able to work up to 12 hours per shift.
Minimum Qualification
One year of experience as a railway switch operator with a railroad operating under F.R.A. regulations.
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Under federal authority, Tacoma Rail requires all employees to obtain and maintain a TWIC card, which requires a federal background check. TWIC is a condition of employment. Application for TWIC must be made within 14 days of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Conductor certification.
Locomotive Engineer certification.
Licenses, Certificates, and Other Requirements
Valid Washington driver’s license at the time of appointment and maintenance thereafter.
Must complete a Department of Homeland Security background check, resulting in the issuance of a TWIC at time of appointment and maintenance thereafter.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Outdoor environment; subject to adverse weather conditions; subject to noise, fumes, and dust.
Position requires lifting, climbing, pushing, pulling, and walking on uneven or loose surfaces.
May be subject to hazardous substances spilling or leaking from railcars.
Knowledge of
Compliance with applicable railroad operating rules and practices (GCOR).
Safe and efficient switching operations.
Records management and operational planning.
Health and safety regulations and precautions.
Applicable laws, codes, regulations, CFR Title 49 policies and procedures.
Skills
Coordinate and supervise the work of a railway switching crew.
Mechanically couple/uncouple railcars.
Operate railroad switches and derails.
Understand and follow oral and written directions/instructions and repeat back.
Interpret and apply codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone.
Read and understand bulletins, work orders, switch lists.
Compensation & Benefits
Hourly Rate: $33.80 - $45.07
Employee Benefits: City of Tacoma.
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Tacoma Rail is establishing a hiring roster for Railway Conductors to coordinate the daily activities of train crews; supervise the operation and administration of trains and receive information and instructions for performing work assignments. Conductors must ensure that trains are operated safely and efficiently and that all rules are observed, acting responsibly to prevent accidents, incidents, or rules violations.
Railroading requires a willingness to spend significant time outdoors in often challenging conditions; candidates should be flexible, willing to learn, and capable of performing multiple tasks while remaining focused on safety and efficiency.
One of Tacoma Rail's keys to success is providing a safe work environment for employees, and the organization promotes a culture that makes safety its highest priority.
Responsibilities
Supervise and participate in assembling/spotting unit trains, coupling and uncoupling railcars, and general yard switching and classification.
Operate railroad switches and use radio communication and standard hand and lantern signals to direct Locomotive Engineer.
Perform industrial switching and keep records of cars switched; keep time reports for self and other crew members.
Inspect railcars and report any defects; make timely reports of any accidents or incidents.
This position is subject to federally regulated safety‑sensitive requirements and all applicants shall be required to meet those standards.
Rate of pay is contingent upon qualifications and experience. Terms of the collective bargaining unit shall apply.
Outdoor Conditions
This position is subject to working in severe weather conditions, around noise, fumes and dust. Use of personal protective equipment is required.
Working Conditions
Lifting up to 75 pounds, climbing, squatting, pushing, pulling, and walking on uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, and twisting motions. Incumbents will be responsible for safely handling hazardous material shipments in railcars.
Shifts / Hours
This is a full‑time position; subject to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Must be able to report to work within 2 hours of notification and be able to work up to 12 hours per shift.
Minimum Qualification
One year of experience as a railway switch operator with a railroad operating under F.R.A. regulations.
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Under federal authority, Tacoma Rail requires all employees to obtain and maintain a TWIC card, which requires a federal background check. TWIC is a condition of employment. Application for TWIC must be made within 14 days of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Conductor certification.
Locomotive Engineer certification.
Licenses, Certificates, and Other Requirements
Valid Washington driver’s license at the time of appointment and maintenance thereafter.
Must complete a Department of Homeland Security background check, resulting in the issuance of a TWIC at time of appointment and maintenance thereafter.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Outdoor environment; subject to adverse weather conditions; subject to noise, fumes, and dust.
Position requires lifting, climbing, pushing, pulling, and walking on uneven or loose surfaces.
May be subject to hazardous substances spilling or leaking from railcars.
Knowledge of
Compliance with applicable railroad operating rules and practices (GCOR).
Safe and efficient switching operations.
Records management and operational planning.
Health and safety regulations and precautions.
Applicable laws, codes, regulations, CFR Title 49 policies and procedures.
Skills
Coordinate and supervise the work of a railway switching crew.
Mechanically couple/uncouple railcars.
Operate railroad switches and derails.
Understand and follow oral and written directions/instructions and repeat back.
Interpret and apply codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone.
Read and understand bulletins, work orders, switch lists.
Compensation & Benefits
Hourly Rate: $33.80 - $45.07
Employee Benefits: City of Tacoma.
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