Assistant Conductor

Rail Operations

Job Description:

Forbes List of America's Best Employers 2022, 2023, & 2024

Move forward with us! At NJ TRANSIT, you'll join us in transforming the third-largest transportation agency in North America. We are committed to delivering safe, reliable service that gets our customers to their destinations on time—and we’re looking to hire talented folks with a love of learning to make it all possible.

Summary:

We are seeking individuals to participate in our Assistant Conductor Training Program who possess a customer service mindset and the ability to effectively communicate with the public, crew, engineers, yard personnel, and railroad officials. The Assistant Conductor role provides the opportunity to take leadership while working in a team environment. In this role, you will be responsible for the safe movement of the train by adhering to strict safety rules applicable to operating rules/practices. The Assistant Conductor will communicate effectively and make independent judgments in response to emergency and non-emergency situations. This position presents the exciting professional opportunity for you to grow your career and to make a difference by working to ensure we hire top talent committed to the revitalization of NJ TRANSIT.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Assist the Conductor in the safe movement of trains by adhering to applicable operating rules/practices.

• May be required to perform the following: control a train’s movement while in reverse, manually switch out cars, mechanically inspect rolling stock and rail, assist in checking the train’s air brakes, conduct pre-trip inspections, ensure the train remains on schedule, be alert to wayside signals, communicate via hand signals, and ensure the overall safety of crew and passengers.

• Ensure all revenue documents (cash, tickets, passes) are collected and verified.

• Must be able to function independently utilizing clear and effective verbal communication skills to interact with passengers, crew members, and others jointly responsible for safe and efficient train movements and customer service.

• Responsible for working in either a passenger or non-passenger operation (including yard duty and work trains).

• Must maintain an understanding of Operating Rules and Practices including Physical Characteristics, Safety, Air Brake, Electrical Instructions, Equipment Trouble-Shooting, and Emergency Procedures.

• Must physically move between and around train cars while the train is in motion.

• Assist passengers to board and detrain as well as give instruction on travel and connections to and from their destination.

• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance. Must comply with NJ TRANSIT’s Uniform & Grooming Standards when engaged in performing passenger service.

• Must be willing and able to work in all types of weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, snow, and rain. Perform duties in an environment requiring physical agility.

• Must report to work on short notice. Available to work weekends and holidays.

• Must have reliable means of transportation during off-peak hours when public transportation is not available.

• Submit to and pass periodic medical examinations as well as random drug and alcohol screenings.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications:

• Must possess a High School Diploma or GED

• Experience working in a team environment, prior supervisory or lead, and/or customer service preferred

• Must pass the pre-employment process which includes the following to include:

• Pre-employment Assessment

• Panel Interview

• Medical examination including Drug and Alcohol Screening.

• Physical Agility Test

• Background Check which includes verification of employment

Assistant Conductor Training Program (ACTP):

• Participants will be required to successfully complete an 18 to 22-month training program which includes classroom instruction, fieldwork, followed by extensive qualifying and on-the-job training to obtain Passenger Conductor Certification.

• This position requires participants to complete, and successfully pass, physical assessments relevant to this position.

• After one becomes a Conductor, Annual Operating Rules Testing and Periodic Medical exams are required.

• To start, the training rate currently pays 40 hours per week, per collective bargaining agreement.

Job Assignments:

• New Assistant Conductors are usually assigned to work the Extra List i.e., required to work a regular assignment for an indeterminate amount of time. This means that the hours of work and sign-up locations within a division can vary daily . The railroad is a twenty-four (24) hour operation; if assigned to the extra list, train crews are subject to report to duty at any time, with a four (4) hour call notice. Assistant Conductors may also be assigned work in one of our various rail yards, which requires making up trains e.g., coupling/uncoupling rail cars in all kinds of weather conditions. All Trainees will be required to join the SMART-TD within 90 days of starting in the position.

Current NJ TRANSIT Employees’ work records will be reviewed for a 3-year period (including attendance, safety, and disciplinary records). If you are a current employee, you must attach the transfer application when applying.

At NJ TRANSIT, you will enjoy a competitive salary and excellent benefits package:

• HMO Health Plan (Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription) *

• Flexible Spending

• Life Insurance

• Railroad Retirement, 457(b), and 401(a)

*Effective 7/1/2016, all new hires are only offered the HMO plan for the first five (5) years of employment.

At NJ TRANSIT, diversity and inclusivity are vital to our success as are committed to hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and veteran status. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply and join our team.

Learn more about NJ TRANSIT! Sign up to receive an invitation to our next live information session at WWW.NJTRANSIT.COM/BEST