Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference Keep the world’s supply chain moving. That’s what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you’re at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there’s one thread that ties everyone together. We’re all on the same team. One Watco (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZUdmGlPP8c) . Here’s what you can expect from Watco: + Award-winning culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek + Competitive compensation and benefits (https://www.watco.com/benefits/) + Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers + Operations training at the Safe Performance Center (https://vimeo.com/895928733) in Birmingham, Alabama + Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University + Career advancement opportunities Position Overview: We are currently seeking a Conductor/Engineer to join our team in the Houston, TX area. The Conductor/Engineer will control and coordinate train movements while switching railcars whether in the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of railcars in a safe and efficient manner to service our customers. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working a rotating schedule in a manual labor role with a focus on safety, customer service, and efficiency. What You Will Do: + Follow all required safety rules, requirements and procedures at all times. + Reads switching orders from designated person. + Supervises and coordinates the activities of train crews. + Receives oral or written instructions from Manager or Customer indicating which cars are to be switched. + Notifies engineer of switching orders and, whereby, which cars are to be moved to specified locations of yard, using radio, verbal or hand signals. + Talks to crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information. + Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains. + Gives instructions to throw track switches and to couple and uncouple cars. + May assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations. + Turns hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well to apply and release handbrakes. + Observes track to detect obstructions. + Maintains records, number, origin, destination, and cargo of cars switched. + May coordinate activities of switching crew from locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower. + Raises coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars. + Throws track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signals Engineer to move cars, using lantern, arm signals or radio. + Connects air hose to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force. + May set warning signals, such as flares, flags, or lanterns at front of and at rear of train during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains. + Sits or rides in cab of locomotive to observe signals from other crew members. + May make minor repairs to couplings, and air hoses and report any equipment requiring major repairs. + Talk to Dispatcher via radio to give or receive switching information. + Performs other duties as requested or required. What You Will Need: + High school education or general education development (GED). + Prior railroad service and certified conductors/engineer experience preferred. + Ability to pass training and required testing. + Valid Driver’s License. + Valid TWIC card or ability to obtain TWIC prior to start date. + A string work ethic and team-player attitude. + A safety-first mindset. + Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. + Ability to follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule. + Ability to read, write, and communicate in English & understand basic math. + Ability to speak effectively and clearly in a railroad/industrial setting. Work Environment & Requirements: This role is performed in a railroad setting in locations such as a short line railroad, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. This role requires the ability to work safely and effectively in this type of setting and role requires mobility and manual dexterity to navigate an industrial environment, including the use of standard office equipment. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in person and via radio or phone and have the vision to read various materials and inspect safety signs. Physical tasks include lifting to 50 pounds, using ladders and power tools, and performing fieldwork in various weather conditions while being exposed to noise, dust, and machinery. This role requires the ability to perform the essential job functions consistently, safely, and successfully in accordance with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards along with the ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance in accordance with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards.