Switch Operator

Qualifications

Switch operator is responsible for the safe movement of railcars within this facility. This role is essential to minimize personal injury and property damage. A switch operators performs daily switching operations for all departments in the shop and communicating well with all Department Supervisors, the Locomotive Operator and the other Switch Operators.

Job Duties:

• - Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone.
  - Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists.
  - Assist with maintaining documentation of rail car placement.
  - Assist to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches.
  - Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety.
  - Operate locomotive equipment.
  - Properly line switches for railcar movement.
  - Operate railcar equipment such as air hoses and handbrakes.
  - Comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems.
  - Quickly and repeatedly make precise adjustments in moving the controls of a machine or vehicle to exact positions.
  - Quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to visual symbols, signals and displays (sound, light, picture, etc).
  - Ability to communicate clearly, listen and understand information through spoken words and sentences to ensure full comprehension of job duties, safety regulations, and other situations that may require an immediate response.
  - Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• - High school diploma or equivalent preferred
  - Ability to read and write in English
  - 1 year experience in railcar switching is preferred
  - Ability to define problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  - Able to use a two way radio

Preferred Requirements:

• 1 year experience in railcar switching
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Physical Demands & Work Conditions:

• Must pass a pre-employment background check, physical, and drug screening
• Able to stand for long periods of time with limited breaks
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds 
• Work in extreme temperatures and elements for an extended period of time
• Must be able to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and smell
• Must be able to work in confined spaces
• Must be able to work at elevated heights
• May encounter fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; risk of radiation and vibration
• Work near moving mechanical parts and in a loud environment
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus