Switchman/Conductor

**NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC BELT RAILROAD (NOPB)** **Title: SWITCHMAN** **POSITION SUMMARY:** Receives, relays or acts upon oral, written or radio instructions from Yardmasters, Trainmasters, or dispatchers indicating the switch movement, placement or delivery of railcars (cars) and/or a train. Reports directly to the NOPB Trainmasters. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, and in accordance with the provisions of applicable labor agreements. **POSITION REQUIREMENTS:** Education and/or Experience * High school diploma or equivalent required. * Associate’s degree preferred. * 2 years’ work experience or equivalent training required. Licenses and/or Certifications * Current driver’s license with clear driving record is required. Skills * Ability to read, write, and understand the English language * Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide two\- and three\-digit numbers * Manual dexterity and good hand\-eye coordination required * Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions * Ability to recognize dangerous situations and take precautions * Ability to think and act quickly in responding to emergency and non\-emergency situations * Ability to make independent judgments using reasoning skills and knowledge * Judging condition or status of objects/parts * Judging speed and/or distance of moving objects/parts * Understanding visual displays * Recognizing basic colors and color variations * Recognizing sounds/changes in sounds * Exercising physical strength and/or endurance * Climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials * Ability to effectively communicate with co\-workers, yard personnel, switching crews, engineers, railroad officials and others in a clear, concise, courteous, efficient and professional manner by telephone, by email, in written form, or in person. Availability The employee must regularly be available for any shift and occasionally will be required to work extended hours and shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. **ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:** * Conducts the movement of cars and train movements. * Observes, interprets and relays arm, lantern, or radio signals and all other indications affecting movement of a train. Communicates signals to locomotive engineers and other crew members. * Operates track switches (visually checks switch condition and route) to change the direction of the locomotive or cars within yard limits or on main line track; may apply or release hand brakes to switch or perform other duties. * Climbs ladders to tops of cars, rides atop cars, and turns handwheel to set brakes or to control the speed of the cars. * Sets flares, flags, and lanterns in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains. * Monitors and reviews information from materials,...