Switchman

Overview

Position Summary The Switchman position is a cross functional role that handles several key duties within the Transportation, Engineering & Mechanical Departments. This role 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. It also installs and repairs railroad track on a specified territory and safely operates spike pullers and spike drivers to remove old spikes, drive new spikes, and perform related maintenance to railroad track in compliance with department and company goals and 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 engines, motors, generators, wheels, air brakes, wiring and lighting systems, and other mechanical and electrical components. The Switchman demonstrates and adheres to the company values of safety, honesty, ownership, respect and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees that support OmniTRAX’s continued success.

• Move trains safely in the yards and over roads
• Operate track switches, inspect equipment on cars and use radio communications to control train movement
• Perform inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and installation of locomotive mechanical systems, air equipment and electrical systems, and equipment such as: diesel engines, motors, generators, wheels, air brakes, wiring and lighting systems, and other mechanical and electrical components
• Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches and make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses
• Communicate with Locomotive Engineer and other parties in the yard using proper hand signals and/or radio communication protocol
• Direct movement of rail cars and trains; signal crew members for movement using lantern, hand and flag signals, or radio
• Observe, interpret, and relay arm, lantern, or radio signals and all indications affecting movement of a train
• Operate track switches (visually check 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
• Ensure safe and efficient operation of locomotive, including full mobility in seated position facing forward and to the side
• Manipulate throttle and brake controls; interpret gauges and controls
• Operate valves and switches inside and outside the cab, including applying and releasing handbrakes
• Adhere to directions from conductors and brakemen
• Work independently and/or with train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and service locomotives including brake shoes, oil, sand and fuel
• Ensure compliance with railroad rules and regulations for safety, operation and FRA where applicable
• Work safely in construction/field environments following safety rules
• Operate spike pullers and spike drivers for construction and maintenance of railroad tracks
• Raise rail using track jack to facilitate removal and installation of railroad ties
• Drill holes with power drill through rails for bolt insertion
• Operate track-wrench machine to tighten and/or loosen bolts at rail joints
• Operate rail saw to cut rails into specified lengths
• Drive company vehicles
• Perform CDL work if required by location to meet qualifications of the FMCSA CFR Subpart B
• Complete inspection and repair reports according to company and FRA specifications and guidelines
• Perform diagnostics, installation and repair of locomotive components to ensure proper operation and compliance with required federal and company specifications
• Complete periodic inspection per FRA standard and frequency

• Work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries
• Wear required protective equipment such as hard hats, hearing protection, safety-toe boots or safety glasses
• Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime and various shift work
• Maintain DOT qualifications
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned

• None

• 18 years of age or older
• Operate hand tools (wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, measuring tapes, etc.)
• Operate power tools and hydraulic equipment (portable grinders, rail saws, spike pullers, track wrench machines, power drills, track jack)
• Apply commonsense understanding to follow detailed, but uninvolved, written or verbal instructions
• Read and follow safety manuals, operating and maintenance instructions, test materials, drawings, schematics and procedure manuals; read gauges and dials on precision measuring tools
• Perform basic shop math to calculate area, circumference, length, distance and volume
• Write legibly to complete routine reports and required testing
• Familiar with and adhere to track Safety…