Conductor Trainee (Alaska Railroad)

Job Description

Please watch this Alaska Railroad Conductor Job Preview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhwM8o3e8vo&t=4s

Performs as a member of a train crew, operates track switches and derails, observes track conditions, applies/releases hand brakes and connects/disconnects air hoses and electrical connections. Assignments may be on freight trains (fuel, gravel, coal, miscellaneous freight), passenger trains, or in the rail yard. May work out of Anchorage, Seward, Whittier, Healy, or Fairbanks terminals.

Employees are not guaranteed any home terminal.

To learn the trade of a Conductor/Locomotive Engineer. Once training has been successfully completed, trainees are on a career path that requires advancement to , certified Conductor, then to a certified Locomotive Engineer (approximately four to six years, dependent on ARRC manpower needs). This is the mandatory entry point for those desiring a career as a Conductor/Locomotive Engineer. Most applicants will work on a seasonal basis (approximately May 1 - Oct 1). This is a seniority based position.

Please note that training is expect to begin approximately October 19, 2026.

Examples of Duties:

Participates in job and safety briefings.  Performs tasks involved in applying operational rules and safety practices. Participates in pre-trip "Job Briefing" reviewing all general orders, special instructions, authorities, track bulletins and notices, and in additional job briefings as situations change during the shift.  Reviews bulletin board for all information pertinent to operation of train and safety information. Acts as part of a crew where communication and cooperation are critical to the safety and well-being of the crew, passengers, the general public, as well as the train.  Obtains, receives, relays and/or acts upon written and verbal instructions.  Observes, interprets, and relays hand, lantern, and other signals affecting movements.  Delivers and picks up rail cars from customer facilities.  Classifies rail cars in terminal operations.  May work rail barges with extremely close clearances.

Operates various designs of track switches and derails in order to change the route of engines or cars in yards or on the road.  Checks switch points to make sure switch is properly lined.  Observes and monitors track conditions (i.e., broken rails, defective switches, weather-related problems).

Inspects train cars or other equipment before leaving the yard or when required.  Applies and releases hand brakes.  Inspects passing trains and reports results to appropriate personnel.  Gets on and off equipment while train or engine is performing various types of switching activities to apply/release hand brakes or other duties.  Rides moving equipment by maintaining three-points of contact with grab irons, handholds, or ladders for extended periods of time.  Connects and disconnects air hoses and electrical connections.  Determines the speed and clearance distance of cars.

Complies with operating rules, special instructions, airbrake and train handling rules, notices, bulletins, timetable, and special instructions.  Complies with CTC and track warrant authority. Follows safety rules, regulations, instructions and security operations for the protection of passengers, personnel and property.  Follows Alaska Railroad policies, procedures and practices applicable to train operations.

Acts in a positive and professional manner at all times while interacting with ARRC employees, customers, and the general public.

May be required to drive company vehicles.

Ensures compliance with all applicable FRA regulations covering, but not limited to, certification, locomotive inspections, hazardous materials, and air brake requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

FACTOR 1:  Skill and Knowledge

Must be able to read, understand, and follow written instructions, rules, and procedures. Must be able to operate track switches/derails and perform switching activities.  Must be able to apply/release hand brakes and connect/disconnect air hoses and electrical connections. Must be able to fill out required reports and forms in a comprehendible and legible manner. Must become General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) qualified.  Must pass advancement/certification tests; failure to do so will result in termination of employment.

FACTOR 2:  Responsibility

Must be able to read, follow and comply with verbal and written instructions for each task.  Must be able to accomplish work in a safe manner.  Must ensure passengers are comfortable and safe.  Must ensure freight arrives at final destination points without damage.

Note: Working safely and in compliance with rules and instructions on the Alaska Railroad is a condition of employment.

FACTOR 3:  Physical Effort

Must be able to shovel, clean and line switches.  Work is physically demanding and often requires extensive walking and standing on uneven terrain, climbing, stooping, bending, lifting, and carrying weight of up to 75 pounds constantly and over 75 pounds (100 pounds +) occasionally.  Must be able to mount/dismount equipment numerous times during a shift, while applying and releasing hand brakes.  Must be able to connect/disconnect air and electrical connections.  Must be able to work in inclement weather for hours at a time.  Work is performed outdoors and involves strenuous activities in a variety of weather conditions (snow, rain, ice and sub-zero temperatures).

Must be able to sit, stand, and/or walk for up to 12 hours.  Occasions arise when it may be necessary to walk alongside equipment on the shoulder of the right-of-way to repair mechanical problems. Depending on the grade, it may be necessary to apply/release sufficient handbrakes.

Train crews are exposed to low frequency, whole body vibration and ambient noise above 90 dB for periods of up to 12 hours.

Employee must be able to remain alert and attentive during long hours of duty, acutely aware of his/her surroundings at all times.

FACTOR 4:  Working Conditions

Employee is exposed to various safety hazards and is required to wear mandatory protective equipment, such as (but not limited to) hearing protection, safety glasses and steel-toed boots.  The majority of new train service employees typically work on an "Extra Board" for the first several years of employment, dependent on seniority (regular assigned jobs are available but are usually occupied by senior employees).  Extra Board positions have no scheduled days off or predictability as to when a call to work will be received.  Employees in these positions must be available for a call to work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, unless in a mandatory rest period following a working assignment.  Locomotive Engineer/Conductor Trainee is subject to the Hours of Service Act, which requires a specific number of hours of rest between shifts.  Work schedules are irregular and are determined by business activities and the rotation of the Extra Board.  Employees must have a telephone in order to be contacted for work.  Employees are subject to extensive travel requiring them to be away from home on a constant basis, depending on the needs and requirements of the Extra Board.  Employees normally will have 2 hours from the time of a call to report to work.  Extra Board employees are subject to work nights, weekends, and holidays.  Being on call is a mandatory requirement.  If called or when scheduled, employees must report for work at the designated time and location.  Employees may be required to be away from home for extended periods of time and then home for shorter periods of time before being called again.  Employees may be force assigned to Healy, Fairbanks, Whittier, Seward, or other locations.  Employees are not guaranteed any particular home terminal.

Note:

Applicants should consider the long-term effects of the above lifestyle on their personal and/or domestic life.

The full position description and example of duties for this position is located under Class Specifications (enter