Position Summary
The Switchman will work with crews to perform the safe switching of railcars, using a Rail King, based on customer requests. Switch crews are responsible for performing jobs efficiently and following all company and customer safety rules and completing corresponding paperwork at the end of every shift. Show measurable improvement toward achieving and/or exceeding the performance expectations outlined by Location Manager.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
- Follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule.
- Read, write, and communicate in English & understand basic math.
- Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes and apply procedures using good judgment.
- Inspects Rail King before run to verify specified fuel requirements.
- Reads switching orders from designated person.
- Observes radio and hand signals in yard or in cab and operates Rail King in accordance with company and customer rules and regulations.
- Observes signals to move Rail King backwards or forwards to switch and couple cars.
- Talks to crew or other workers via radio to give or receive switching information.
- May assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations.
- Turns hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well as apply and release handbrakes.
- Observes track to detect obstructions.
- Inspects Rail King after run to detect damaged or defective equipment.
- Maintains records, number, origin, destination, and cargo of cars switched.
- May coordinate activities of switching crew from Rail King cab, or other on-site location.
- Raises coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars.
- Throws track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signals.
- Move cars, using lanterns, hand signals or radio.
- Connects air hose to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force.
- Sits or rides in cab of Rail King to observe signals from other crew members.
- May make minor repairs to couplings, and air hoses and report any equipment requiring major repairs.
- Performs other duties as requested or required.
Requirements and Experience:
- High school education or general education development (GED).
- Conductor certifications valid through FRA.
- At least 1-year job-related experience; or equivalent of education and experience.
- Ability to pass training and required testing.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- High school education or general education development (GED).
- Ability to pass training and required testing.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
The team member is regularly exposed to a warehouse environment, outside weather conditions and elements, noise, and fumes from gas, oil, and grease.
Machines, Tools, Special Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment Used:
Hammers, ratchets, chisel, pry bar, wrenches, and brushes.
PPE; hard hat, vest, safety glasses, FR clothing, gloves, steel toed boots
Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by team members assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.