Operator Helper (Rail Worker)

I. SUMMARY
This position is responsible for operating electric, diesel-electric, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives; interpreting train orders, signals, and rules and regulations; transporting freight; timely and correct switching and placement of rail cars.
II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Operator

• Inspects locomotive before operating to verify specified fuel, sand, water, and other supplies.
• Receives starting signal from foreman or helper and moves controls, such as throttle and airbrakes, to move locomotive.
• Interprets train orders, train signals, and rules and regulations to operate locomotive, following safety regulations, operating procedures, and switching schedule.
• Assists crew leader in training new employees.
• Observes track to detect obstructions.
• Prepares reports to explain accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays.
• Lubricates moving parts of locomotive.
• Handle train equipment in a safe manner using independent or automatic brakes.
• Must wear required personal protective equipment
• Other duties as assigned.

B. Helper

• Operation of hand or ground throw switches, derails, gates, etc.
• Control movement of equipment by radio, hands, and lantern.
• Apply and release hand brakes to secure or move equipment.
• Handling air hoses, wheel chocks, coupling and uncoupling of rail cars.
• Must wear required personal protective equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

III. QUALIFICATIONS
The qualifications listed below represent the credentials necessary to perform the essential duties of this position. To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
A. Education and/or Experience
High School diploma (or equivalent)
Military experience helpful
B. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Must be extremely dependable and punctual in attendance; must have reliable transportation to work every day.
Good communication skills; Must be comfortable engaging in a variety of different communicative modes (verbal, non-verbal, and written) and being attuned to others through strong active listening skills.
Ability to assess multiple tasks and develop a plan to complete them in a timely manner.
Must have the ability to work well with others as part of a team.
C. Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business information, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
D. Mathematical Skills
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, proportions, percentages.
E. Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
F. Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move heavy weights. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
E. Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This incumbent regularly works in an outdoor environment, in various weather conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic chemicals. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
We are an equal opportunity employer.