Switchman

Position SummaryThe Switchman position is a cross functional role that is able to handle several key duties within the Transportation, Engineering & Mechanical Departments. This position oversees the train, freight and crew: operates track switches, couples and uncouples cars and places cars to facilitate loading and unloading, places cars and engines in rail yards and on the main railroad. This position also installs and repairs railroad track on a specified territory of railroad. Safely operates spike pullers and spike drivers: removes old spikes, drives new spikes, and performs related maintenance to railroad track that meet department and company goals, and comply with Federal Railroad Association (FRA) rules and regulations.This role also performs inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and installation of locomotive mechanical systems, air equipment and electrical systems, and equipment such as: diesel engine, motors, generators, wheels, air brakes, wiring and lighting systems, and other mechanical and electrical components.The Switchman position demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees that result in OmniTRAX’s continued success.Essential ResponsibilitiesMove trains safely in the yards and over roadsOperate track switches, inspect equipment on cars and use radio communications to control train movementPerforms inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and installation of locomotive mechanical systems, air equipment and electrical systems, and equipment such as: diesel engine, motors, generators, wheels, air brakes, wiring and lighting systems, and other mechanical and electrical componentsAssist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches and make minor repairs to railcars: including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hosesCommunicate with Locomotive Engineer and other parties in the yard using proper hand signals and/or radio communication protocolConduct the movement of rail cars and train movements; signal crew member(s) for movement of the engine or train using lantern, hand and flag signals, or radio to indicate when to start, stop, and back-up or set and release air brakesObserve, interpret, and relay arm, lantern, or radio signals and all other indications affecting movement of a trainOperate track switches (visually checks switch condition and direction) to change the direction of the engine or cars within yard limits or on the main railroad; may apply or release hand brakes to switch or perform other dutiesSafe and efficient operation of locomotive including full mobility in seated position facing forward and to the sideManipulate throttle and brake controls; interpret gauges and controlsOperate valves and switches both inside and outside of the cab including applying and releasing handbrakesAdhere to directions from conductors and brakemenWork independently and/or with train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and service locomotive including brake shoes, oil, sand and fuelEnsure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operation and the FRA if applicableWork safely in a construction/field environment following the safety rules and carrying out the work in a manner that promotes a safe work environmentOperate spike pullers, spike drivers to perform construction and maintenance tasks associated with railroad tracks Raise rail using track jack to facilitate removal and installation of railroad tiesDrill holes with power drill through rails for bolt insertionOperate track-wrench machine to tighten and/or loosen bolts at rail jointsOperate rail saw to cut rails into specified lengths Drive company vehiclesPerform CDL work if required by location to meet qualifications of the FMCSA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Subpart B: Qualification and Disqualification of Drivers and other regulations as applicable, including but not limited to, Part391.11Complete inspection and repair reports according to company and FRA specifications and guidelinesFollowing general safety rules, perform diagnostics, installation and repair of locomotive components to ensure proper operation and compliance with required federal and company specificationsComplete periodic inspection per FRA standard and frequency.Other DutiesWork safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuriesWear required protective equipment such as: hard hats, hearing protection, safety-toe boots or safety glassesWork hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime and various shift workMaintain DOT qualificationsPerform other duties and projects as assignedSupervisory ResponsibilitiesNoneRequired Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities18 years of age or older Operate hand tools, including: wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, measuring tapes etc.Operate power tools and hydraulic equipment, including: portable grinders, rail saws, spike pullers, track wrench machines, power drills, track jackApply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed, but uninvolved written or verbal instructionsRead and follow safety manuals, operating and maintenance instructions, test materials, drawings, schematics, and procedure manuals, gauges and dials on precision measuring toolsPerform basic shop math concepts to calculate figures and amounts such as: area, circumference, length, distance, and volumeWrite legibly to complete routine reports, and complete required testingFamiliar with and adhere to track Safety Standards in work completionPass written examinations on the safe operations of trains and maintenance of way standardsFamiliar with Roadway Workers’ Protection (RWP) Effectively communicate with all level of employees and business associates in a clear, concise and professional mannerBasic Computer skillsDemonstrate problem solving and troubleshooting skills resulting in effective resolutionProfessional integrity and accountabilityWork in fast-paced, collaborative environmentRequired Certifications And LicensesValid State Driver’s License – pass DOT medical certification and Drivers Qualification File, pass DOT Drug & Alcohol testing if applicable Preferred Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, And AbilitiesPrevious experience in Rail Transportation, Supply Chain Logistics, Manufacturing and/or Oil & Gas industriesHigh School Diploma/GEDBackhoe operation experiencePreferred Certifications And LicensesClass A CDLWORK ENVIRONMENTExposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by the weather including: snow, rain, heat, and sub-freezing tempsTRAVELDaily travel as business requires during scheduled work hoursPhysical RequirementsStrengthOccFreqConsWeight / ForceHeight FromHeight ToLifting - "136-pound Plate"X18.9 lbTwo Hands0 in40 inLifting - Lining BarX26 lbTwo Hands0 in40 inLifting - Claw BarX30.7 lbTwo Hands0 in60 inLifting - Impact WrenchX31 lbTwo Hands0 in40 inLifting - Portable DerailX44.3 lbTwo Hands0 in40 inLifting - Track JackX48.5 lbTwo Hands0 in40 inLifting - Compromise Bar (136/115)X53.8 lbTwo Hands0 in40 inLifting - 136-pound Angle BarX56.1 lbTwo Hands0 in40 inLifting - 136-pound Angle BarX58.8 lbTwo Hands0 in40 inLifting - Tools, Parts and EquipmentX65 lbTwo Hands0 in60 inStrengthOccFreqConsWeight/ForceSide HeightRotationGrip PatternHand SpreadPushing - Manual Track WrenchX106 lbTwo Hands35 inNeutralCylinderPushing - Spike Puller/Claw BarX118.8 lbTwo HandsWaistPronatedHookPushing - Ergo Bow SwitchX133.7 lbTwo Hands35 inNeutralCylinderPulling - Hydraulic Spike DriverX60.5 lbTwo Hands26 inPronatedCylinder13 inPulling - Hydraulic Spike PullerX63.9 lbTwo Hands34 inPronatedCylinder10 inPulling - Ergo Bow SwitchX75.1 lbTwo Hands35 inNeutralCylinderPulling - High Stand SwitchX87 lbTwo Hands36 inPronatedCylinderPulling - Rail Turner 39-foot Rail (90 lb)X88.3 lbTwo HandsWaistNeutralCylinderPulling - 10-Foot Tie with Tie TongsX119.1 lbTwo Hands30 inNeutralHookPulling - Drag 10-Foot Tie with Tie TongsX174.7 lbTwo Hands25 inNeutralHookUpper BodyOccFreqConsDescriptionReaching - Below KneeXExtending hand(s) and arm(s) below the level of the knee.Reaching - Over ShoulderXExtending hand(s) and arm(s) above shoulder level.Reaching - Knee to ShoulderXExtending hand(s) and arm(s) between knee and shoulder level.Handling - BothXSeizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hands.Fingering - Fine Motor ManipulationXPicking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers.Cervical Flexion/ExtensionXFlexing and/or extending at the cervical spine.Rotation - CervicalXRotating at the cervical spine.Rotation - Thoracic & LumbarXRotating at the thoracic and lumbar spine.Lower BodyOccFreqConsDist.DescriptionSittingXRemaining in a seated position.StandingXRemaining on one’s feet in an upright position without moving about.WalkingXMoving about on foot. Walk on uneven surfaces.ClimbingXAscending or descending between two points.BalancingXMaintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.StoopingXBending body forward by bending spine at the waist.Kneeling - Two KneesXBending legs at knees to come to rest on one or both knees.Crouching/SquattingXBending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.Occ = Occasional; defined as 1-33% of a usual and customary workday.Freq = Frequent; defined as 34-66% of a usual and customary workday.Cons = Constant; defined as 67-100% of a usual and customary workday. Not all tasks required at each location. Position and physical demand is representative, but individualized assessment may be necessary.