Discover a Career with Northern Plains Rail

Job Title: Train Conductor Trainee                          

Department:  Transportation                           

Division: Northern Plains Railroad        

Reports to: Manager Operations/General Manager                                                                                                 

Job Status: Full Time                                        

Schedule: Varies. On-call 24 hours/day, 7 days/week with 10-12 hours of work per day                                                      

Travel: 25%

Summary:

The Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR) d.b.a. Northern Plains Rail Services (NPRS) and other affiliated companies Train Conductor Trainee position will receive training in the various aspects of the Train Conductor position. With training, you will be able to relay, and/or act upon oral or written instructions, to ensure proper placement of locomotives and cars.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:

• Writes and completes work orders and time slips.
• Observes, interprets, understands, recognizes and relays signals from other personnel and acts upon them to ensure proper placement of locomotives and cars.
• Provides instructions via radio or hand signals to engineer to guide motion of locomotive.
• Tends and operates track switches.
• Lite maintenance of switches and track to include snow removal, oiling, track inspection and lite repair. 
• Sets and releases hand brakes.
• Operates uncoupling levers.
• Couples air system between cars.
• Visually inspects and tests air brakes.
• Knows and understands the requirements of FRA Rules and Regulations.

Competencies:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Strong written and oral communication skills.  
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well with others. 
• High energy and initiative. 
• Problem solving/analytical skills.
• Demonstrate a commitment to safety and compliance of all AAR, FRA and NPR rules.
• May be required to operate track machinery under Track Foreman’s supervision.
• Inspect all track structures and anything likely to endanger or delay train movements.
• Make minor repairs and assist in coordinating and making emergency repairs.
• Detect and report changing track conditions.
• Paperwork; money handling.
• Certified Conductor Preferred.

Physical Demands: 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform on uneven or slippery surfaces, platforms, ladders, equipment in all weather and temperature conditions. Most of the day could be spent on feet standing. Eye/hand coordination, hand/feet dexterity and grasping hand tools, materials & equipment is required. The employee is frequently required to perform manual labor & physical activities that require considerable use of the whole body, such as standing and lifting from various levels.
• Additional physical demands are listed in the chart below.
• May require travel to various facilities and provide additional services.

Environmental:

• Continuous:  Exposure to and works in hot/cold temperatures, must be able to perform manual labor in all types of harsh weather conditions outside on or near railroad tracks with most of the day spend on feet, including very hot and very cold weather, on-call, works outside, works at a height, vibration, walk on uneven or slippery surface, moving machinery & shift work. Exposed to loud noises. Exposure to dust/smoke & fumes/odors/grease/oil. Exposed to live track/trains/high voltage/moving equipment. Must wear safety equipment required by NPR while performing duties, including safety glasses, hard hats, safety footwear, and hearing protection.
• Frequent:
• Occasional:  Exposure to electrical hazards, travel required, & works in wet conditions. Interacts with public, customers, and coworkers.
• Rare:  Works in cramped quarters, works inside, works alone, chemicals & toxic materials, stand on concrete.

Education and Training:

• GED or higher.
• Ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems. 
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.
• Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPR driver provisions.

Requirements of Joining Our Team: 

Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to: 

1. Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment. 

2. Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.

3. Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.

4. Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position. 

We value transparency and the safety of our employees and customers, and these steps are essential in upholding our commitment to excellence.

LIFT 2 - Physical Demands Checklist                                                                 

* Never (N) = Not at all * Rarely (R) = 1-5% * Occasionally (O) = 6-33% * Frequently (F) = 34-66% * Continuously (C) = 67-100%

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned. This Job Description may change at any time declared by Management.

NPR is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,

color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other

characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation.

Signature:

Employee signature below constitutes the employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position.

Employee Signature: ________________________________________________     Date:____________________________________