Lead Conductor/Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Lead Conductor / Engineer                  

Business Unit: All Rail

Department: Industrial Switching               

Reports to: Director of Safety and Operational Development

Job Status: Full Time                                            

Schedule: Day/Evening shift: Varies. Weekend duty, on-call, & overtime.

Location: Grand Forks, ND

Travel: Daily within an approximate 60-mile radius

Summary:

The Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR) d.b.a. Northern Plains Rail Services (NPRS) and other affiliated companies Lead Conductor / Engineer receives, relays, and /or acts upon oral or written instructions from direct report, works with customer, directs conductors and engineers to work safely and to ensure proper placement of locomotives and cars. 

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

• Knows and understands the requirements of FRA & OSHA Rules and Regulations.
• Oral communication via train radio with Management and train crews.
• Works with the customer directly on daily plan.
• Ensures employees are working safe under their direction.
• Will ensure Daily Track Reports are accurate employees are working as a team to compile information needed for vendor reports.
• Accountable for compliance of all operating rules, policies, and guidelines.
• Must be capable of obtaining and keeping current IS conductor & engineer required training.
• Read and interpret orders, schedules, and other written instructions received and discuss their contents with other crew members.
• Perform switching, assembling, and disassembling of trains.
• Perform safe operations of the locomotive.  
• Properly and safely engage/release hand brakes and operate rail yard switches.  
• Inspects couplings and air hoses to ensure they are securely fastened.
• Attend rules and safety classes and ensure all rules are followed as directed by the Company. 
• Inspects freight cars, locomotives, and other equipment to ensure compliance with FRA and Company rules. 
• Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs. 
• Observe tracks to detect and report obstructions. 
• Utilizes/understand hand signals, two-way radios and cell phones for communication with other train crew members.
• Inspect locomotives before, during, and after each run to check fuel levels, supplies, and mechanical problems.
• Prepares accurate reports as required by the Company.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Company.

Competencies:

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

• Thorough knowledge of FRA requirements specific to the operation and movement of trains.
• Self-motivated.
• Basic problem solving and root cause analytics.
• Interpersonal skills: ability to solve conflict; ability to balance team and individual responsibilities.
• Strong oral and written communication; ability to speak and write clearly and informatively. 
• Ability to maintain professionalism and approach others in a tactful manner.
• Communicate with customer and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Works with Track Inspector & Project supervisor to plan weekly inspections and coordinate any immediate maintenance needs as it relates to the customer.   How will this work?
• Receive calls and troubleshoots methods for emergency track repair including safety action plans.
• Ability to react well under pressure in high-stressed situations; accept responsibility for own actions.
• Dependability and follow through on commitments. Consistently at work on time.
• Observe all safety and security procedures; determine appropriate action beyond guidelines; report potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment and materials properly. 
• Ability to judge the speed and distances of objects or moving parts.  
• Strong attention to detail and safety procedures; ability to maintain focus for the entirety of the shift. 
• Ability to build positive relationships with your colleagues, customers, and supervisors.  
• Ability to apply principles to solve practical problems. 
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.

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.

Environmental:

• Continuous: Exposure to and works in hot/cold temperatures, works outside, exposure to noise, vibration, walk on uneven or slippery surface, works with others, moving machinery & shift work.
• Frequent: Exposure to dust/smoke & fumes/odors/grease/oil & stands on concrete.
• Occasional: Exposure to electrical hazards, travel required, & works in wet conditions.
• Rare: Works in cramped quarters, works inside, works alone, money handling, chemicals & toxic materials.

Education and Training:

• GED or higher
• 3+ years Qualified Engineer & Conductor experience, preferred.
• Must have Valid driver’s license 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.

Physical Demands Checklist   LIFT 1

* 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 as 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:______________________________________