Senior Locomotive Engineer

Company: Northern Plains Railroad, Inc.

Business Unit: ALL     

Department: Industrial Switching                               

Travel: 0%

Schedule: A Locomotive Engineer is on call 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, with 10-12 hours of work per day

Summary:

The Senior Locomotive Engineer is in direct control of safe train movements (stopping, starting, backing, etc.), and is responsible for obeying all directions and signals from other personnel in the movement of trains. Ensure safe and efficient train and switching operations.

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

• Knows and understands the requirements of FRA Rules and Regulations.
• Oral communication via train radio with Superintendent and train crews.
• Accountable for compliance of all operating rules, policies, and guidelines.
• Must be capable of obtaining and keeping current engineer certification (FRA requirement).
• Read and interpret orders, schedules, and other written instructions received from the train dispatcher and discuss their contents with other crew members.
• Perform switching, assembling, and disassembling of trains. 
• 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, FRA, and other governing agencies. 
• 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 and dispatchers.
• Operate locomotives to transport freight or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards. 
• Inspect locomotives before, during, and after each run to check fuel levels, supplies, and mechanical problems. 
• Prepares accurate reports as required by the Company, FRA, and other governing agencies.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Company.

Trains run day and night, so shift flexibility is a must.   Shifts may include morning, afternoon, evening, and overnight. Overtime, weekend, and holiday hours may also be required.

• Will perform work on Northern Plains Railroad as directed.

Competencies:

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

• 3+ years Qualified Engineer experience, required.
• 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.
• 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. 
• Capability of being on call and possibly work 10–12-hour shifts; days off may vary week to week.
• Ability to build harmonious relationships with your colleagues and supervisors.  

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 electrical hazards, works in cramped quarters, dust/smoke & fumes/odors/grease/oil, works in hot/cold temperatures, on-call, works outside, exposure to noise, vibration, walk on uneven or slippery surface, works with others & moving machinery. Works at a height climbing ladders to get on/off unit.
• Occasional:        Travel required, stand on concrete, shift work & works in wet conditions. Paperwork.
• Rare:  Works inside, works alone, money handling, chemicals & toxic materials. Interacts with the public.

Education and Training:

• GED or higher.
• Ability to fulfill requirements for obtaining and maintaining engineer certification.
• Ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems. 
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.
• This safety sensitive position will be subject to drug and alcohol screening.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to company driver provisions.

Benefits:

• $37.30-$41 per hour
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401K – company matching at one year.
• Railroad Retirement
• Annual paid sick and vacation time
• Annual PPE reimbursement program

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.

 NPRS 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. NPRS is a tradename used by Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR), Northern Plains Services, Inc. (NPS), and All Rail, Inc. (All Rail).