Assistant Conductor Trainee
Description
Title: Assistant Conductor Trainee
Department: Transportation
Repost Date: 12/18/2023
Close Date: Open until filled
Hay Point Evaluation: N/A
100% Hourly Rate of Pay: $45.1472 *(See Wage Progression Chart)
Position Classification: Safety Sensitive
Location: Various
Reports To: Conductor
Union Affiliation: SMART - Transportation Division (SMART-UTU)
If you have previously applied to this position within the last 12 months, there is no need to reapply. Your application may still be under consideration.
Summary:
Provides excellent customer service to all passengers. Assists train crew in the safe and efficient movement of customers, performance of various yard movement operations, mechanical troubleshooting/minor repairs of equipment, collecting and selling cash fares, making announcements, operating doors, handling emergency situations, coupling and uncoupling train cars, throwing switches, etc.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
-Provide passengers with information, answer questions concerning train rules, regulations, and schedules, and provide destination information. Report delays.
-Inspect, collect, and sell cash fares on passenger trains in accordance with established procedures.
-Must walk through moving passenger trains in performance of duties, climb on and off equipment using fixed ladders or stairs, assist passengers on, off and through trains routinely or under emergency conditions.
-Routinely operate yard and main track switches and derail, operate levers and valves to separate cars, couple and uncouple air brake hoses, inspect trains, perform minor repairs to equipment, apply or release hand brakes, align coupling assemblies, open and close doors on passenger equipment.
-Assist in the movement of cars to assemble trains or place for repair or service.
-Observe, interpret, and relays various types of signals including hand, fixed position, or color lights to control the movement of trains and engines for the safety of passengers.
-Read and understand rules and instructions, give as well as follow written and oral instructions, communicate clearly via public address and radio systems with passengers and railroad facilities.
-Provide protection (flag) for third-party contractors along tracks, on platforms, bridges, tunnels and other railroad facilities.
Qualifications:
-A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent (GED or TASC) approved by a State's Department of Education or recognized accredited organization.
-Must possess a valid driver's license from the state of your legal residence.
-Ability to read and understand operating manuals, and write train orders.
-Accounting skills equivalent to maintaining and balancing a check book.
-Mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting equipment and air brake systems.
-Solid oral communication skills, must have ability to successfully pass oral and written promotion examinations.
-Frequent pushing/pulling MU (multiple unit) car doors 23 to 55 lb. (one armed push/pull strength of 39 lb. avg.) and retracting electric coupler 90 lb. force.
-Occasional climbing on stairs and ladders, including 32" initial step above ground to enter train with train hold 62" above ground.
-Must have the ability to work various hours (24/7), at different locations and report in a timely fashion. This would include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
-Required to wear a uniform that consists of coat, vest and trousers, a cap, shirt and tie.
Preferred/Desirable Skills/Qualifications:
-Some college preferred.
-Prior customer service and cash handling experience.
-Successful completion of introduction to Operating Rules and Procedures training class.
Steps to the Selection Process:
1. Employees who have a satisfactory work record and meet the stated requirements will be invited to take an aptitude test.
2. External applicants who meet the stated requirements may be invited to take the aptitude test. This test has three parts, Cognitive, Vocabulary and Math. A preliminary assessment interview will also be conducted at the time. Based on the results, candidates may receive LIRR operations, signals, and definitions study material.
3. Successful candidates at this stage will be invited to come to the LIRR signal and definitions overview. (Candidates must return to take the Signals and Definitions exam).
4. Those successfully passing this exam will participate in a panel interview on this day. If successful, a physical abilities screening will be scheduled to ensure they can perform the essential functions of the job.
5. Training Program: Candidates who successfully complete the steps of the selection process outlined in 1, 2 and 3 above, may be selected to participate in the Assistant Conductor Training Program. The Training for Assistant Conductor is administered through an approximately 11-week COMPENSATED program. Instruction will include operating rules and policies, on-board ticket sales and procedures, airbrake and troubleshooting requirements, passenger train emergency preparedness (PTEP) and on-track safety.
The process will consist of a practical evaluation as well as mandatory written exams. Failure to pass all exams and training requirements will result in dismissal.
Written and Practical Qualifying Exams:
-Operating Rules and Procedures for passenger and freight service.
-Ticket sales, collections and accounting procedures.
-Air Brake equipment inspections and troubleshooting.
-PTEP
-CPR First Aid
-Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)-214/217and 218
Qualifying for Assistant Conductor to Conductor is mandatory as per current Article-5 agreement.
Failure to qualify as a Conductor may result in termination from the Company.
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
We offer competitive salaries and an excellent, comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Full Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Care
- Life Insurance
- Comprehensive Sick Leave Benefits
- Deferred Compensation
- Vacation/Personal Leave Days
- Transportation Pass Privileges
- Tuition Assistance Reimbursement
- Pension Plan
- In-house training seminars
Wage Progression: for Employees Hired on or Before September 24, 2014:
70% - 1st 365 Calendar Days
75% - 2nd 365 Calendar Days
80% - 3rd 365 Calendar Days
85% - 4th 365 Calendar Days
90% - 5th 365 Calendar Days
100% - after 1,825 Calendar Days
New Wage Progression for Employees Hired After September 24, 2014:
70% - 1st 365 Calendar Days
70% - 2nd 365 Calendar Days
75% - 3rd 365 Calendar Days
80% - 4th 365 Calendar Days
85% - 5th 365 Calendar Days
85% - 6th 365 Calendar Days
90% - 7th 365 Calendar Days
100% 8th 365 Calendar Days
Other Information:
In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include, but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e. physical, written and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.
Equal Opportunity Employment
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.