Skills:

Position Title:

Switchman

Position summary:

Helps Railroad Engineer coordinate activities of train. Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within yard of railroad, industrial plant, or similar location. Coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains, yard switching, and review train schedules and switching orders. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.

Tasks:

• Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.
  
• Document and prepare reports of accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays.
  
• Inspect each car periodically during runs.
  
• Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.
  
• Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.
  
• Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.
  
• Inspect freight cars for compliance with sealing procedures, and record car numbers and seal numbers.
  
• Inspection of couplings, air hoses, and handbrakes, and mechanical equipment in order to ensure efficient and safe train operation.
  
• Ability to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  
• Able to stand for long periods of time with limited breaks.
  
• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds and team lift up to 150 pounds.
  
• Work in extreme temperatures and elements for an extended period of time.
  
• Must be able to work in confined spaces.
  
• Must be able to work at elevated heights.
  
• Must be able to read and comprehend basic drawings and scope of work.
  
• Must possess basic math skills, addition, subtraction.

Qualities:

• Dependable
  
• Teachable
  
• Mechanically Inclined
  
• Committed to Personal Excellence (Safety, Quality, Productivity)
  

Experience and Education:

• High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate); 3 years verifiable work experience.