Rail Traffic Controller Trainee

JOB SUMMARY

Rail Traffic Controllers are in charge of the movement of trains and equipment on main and other tracks specified in the timetable, and issue instructions to employees connected with these movements.

For an inside look at the Conductor position, please click this link: What does a Metro North Railroad Rail Traffic Controller do? – You Tube

DUTIES AND RESPOSIBILITIES

Include but are not limited to:

Safely and efficiently direct all train and equipment movement within a specified territory by remote activation of switches, signals, clearance forms and blocking devices
Provide protection to employees working on the right of way by removing and restoring tracks to and from service Prepare and maintain accurate records related to train movements, track assignments and other events
Monitor radio, telephone, computer screens and other equipment for train movements, track movement and other relevant information and issues in territories controlled
Communicate relevant information to others clearly, effectively and according to protocol regarding train routing, track conditions and any other special circumstances
Maintain familiarity with train schedules, destinations and departure and arrival times
Coordinate track usage with the Maintenance of Way department
Prepare information reporting on time performance and delays of areas controlled
Manage unexpected and emergency events
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

Skilled in exercising independent judgment; ability to anticipate and analyze problems and take corrective actions; must be able to maintain attentiveness and evaluate a situation to make quick decisions under pressure; written and verbal communication skills; ability to multi-task; must be able to function effectively under changing priorities; reading comprehension ability; knowledge of operating and safety rules; knowledge of physical characteristics; must be safety conscious

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum of a High School Diploma, General Equivalency Diploma (GED), or Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC)

External Applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:

Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a qualified Air Traffic Controller OR
Minimum of one (1) year experience as a railroad employee in a position requiring comparable book of rules qualification OR
Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a logistics manager or another position with directly related transferable skills working in a fast paced, high pressure environment OR
Related education resulting in a transportation degree (e.g., Associate Degree or higher in Air Traffic Control, Train Dispatch, or related field)
Active Metro-North employees must meet at least one of the following requirements:

Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in an Operating division craft that that requires qualifying on the “Rules of the Operating Department (Book of Rules Qualification)” OR
Minimum of three (3) years of railroad experience not requiring Book of Rules Qualification OR
Minimum of one (1) year of experience in your current position/craft (and has satisfied all formal training/lock-in requirements) combined with meeting any one of the External Applicant requirements

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Regulated by hours-of-service rules; must become qualified in rules of Operating Department