Assistant Conductor Trainee

Hourly Rate: $
49.57* (See Wage Progression Chart)

Position Classification:
Safety Sensitive

Union Affiliation:
SMART - Transportation Division (SMART-UTU)

Closing Date (if applicable): 8/14/26

Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles – from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.

Provides excellent customer service to all passengers. Assists train crew in the safe and efficient movement of customers, performance of various yard movement operations, mechanical troubleshooting/minor repairs of equipment, collecting and selling cash fares, making announcements, operating doors, handling emergency situations, coupling and uncoupling train cars, throwing switches, etc.

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Provide passengers with information, answer questions concerning train rules, regulations, and schedules, and provide destination information. Report delays.
• Inspect, collect, and sell cash fares on passenger trains in accordance with established procedures.
• Must walk through moving passenger trains in performance of duties, climb on and off equipment using fixed ladders or stairs, assist passengers on, off and through trains routinely or under emergency conditions.
• Routinely operate yard and main track switches and derail, operate levers and valves to separate cars, couple and uncouple air brake hoses, inspect trains, perform minor repairs to equipment, apply or release hand brakes, align coupling assemblies, open and close doors on passenger equipment.
• Assist in the movement of cars to assemble trains or place for repair or service.
• Observe, interpret, and relay various types of signals including hand, fixed position, or color lights to control the movement of trains and engines for the safety of passengers.
• Read and understand rules and instructions, give as well as follow written and oral instructions, communicate clearly via public address and radio systems with passengers and railroad facilities.
• Provide protection (flag) for third-party contractors along tracks, on platforms, bridges, tunnels and other railroad facilities.

• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent (GED or TASC) approved by a State's Department of Education or recognized accredited organization.
• Ability to read and understand operating manuals and write train orders.
• Accounting skills equivalent to maintaining and balancing a check book.
• Mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting equipment and air brake systems.
• Solid oral communication skills must have ability to successfully pass oral and written promotion examinations.
• Frequent pushing/pulling MU (multiple unit) car doors 23 to 55 lb. (one armed push/pull strength of 39 lb. avg.) and retracting electric coupler 90 lb. force.
• Occasional climbing on stairs and ladders, including 32" initial step above ground to enter train with train hold 62" above ground.
• Must have the ability to work various hours (24/7), at different locations and report in a timely fashion.
  
  This would include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Required to wear a uniform that consists of coat, vest and trousers, a cap, shirt and tie.

• Some college preferred.
• Prior customer service and cash handling experience.
• Successful completion of introduction to Operating Rules and Procedures training class.

Steps to the Selection Process:

• Employees who have a satisfactory work record and meet the stated requirements will be invited to take an aptitude test.
• External applicants who meet the stated requirements may be invited to take the aptitude test. This test has three parts, Cognitive, Vocabulary and Math. A preliminary assessment interview will also be conducted at the time. Based on the results, candidates may receive LIRR operations, signals, and definitions study material.
• Successful candidates at this stage will be invited to come to the LIRR signal and definitions overview. (Candidates must return to take the Signalsand Definitions exam).
• Those successfully passing this exam will participate in a panel interview on this day. If successful, a physical abilities screening will be scheduled to ensure they can perform the essential functions of the job.
• Training Program:
  Candidates who successfully complete the steps of the selection process outlined in 1, 2 and 3 above, may be selected to participate in the Assistant Conductor Training Program. The Training for Assistant Conductor is administered through an approximately 11-week COMPENSATED program. Instruction will include operating rules and policies, on-board ticket sales and procedures, airbrake and troubleshooting requirements,…