At Cando, safety is more than a priority, it is the foundation of everything we do. We are seeking motivated, safety-focused professionals to join our team as a Switchman/Conductor supporting rail operations at a major chemical manufacturing facility.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic industrial environment where safety, teamwork, and precision are critical. If you enjoy working outdoors, staying active, solving problems, and contributing to essential supply chain operations, we encourage you to explore a career with Cando.
Cando is a North American leader in specialized rail operating services, providing industrial switching, short line operations, material handling, terminal and transload services, and customized rail solutions for customers across a variety of industries. As we continue expanding throughout the United States, we invite you to grow your career with us.
Why Join Cando?
- Consistent work-life balance
- Comprehensive technical and leadership development programs
- Award-winning safety culture
- Health and dental benefits, including voluntary coverage options.
- A team-oriented environment focused on employee success and safety.
Position Summary
As a Switchman/Conductor, you will play a critical role in supporting safe and efficient railcar movements within a chemical plant operation. Collaborating closely with locomotive operators and plant personnel, you will ensure railcars containing raw materials and finished chemical products are moved safely, accurately, and in compliance with all operating regulations and site-specific safety requirements.
Success in this position requires strong situational awareness, a commitment to safety, exceptional teamwork, and the ability to perform physically demanding work in an industrial environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely coordinate and execute railcar switching operations within a chemical manufacturing facility.
- Conduct thorough job briefings and communicate clearly with crew members to ensure safe train and locomotive movements.
- Apply operating rules, special instructions, and switching procedures while serving as either a locomotive operator or ground crew member.
- Operate switches and derails, couple and uncouple railcars, connect and disconnect air hoses, and apply or release hand brakes.
- Handle railcar movements associated with the transportation of chemical products and materials while adhering to strict safety protocols.
- Protect personnel, equipment, and infrastructure during all switching activities.
- Conduct air brake tests and perform routine inspections of locomotives, railcars, tracks, and operating equipment.
- Maintain compliance with all federal regulations, customer requirements, site-specific chemical plant procedures, and Cando operating standards.
- Complete daily inspections, operational reports, logs, and required documentation accurately and on time.
- Ensure locomotives and work areas remain safe, organized, and operationally ready.
- Deliver exceptional customer service and maintain professional working relationships with plant personnel and stakeholders.
- Participate in ongoing training, safety initiatives, and operational improvement programs.
Qualifications & Skills
- Strong commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and customer service skills.
- Ability to read and interpret switching lists, operating procedures, safety documents, and work instructions.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in a fast-paced industrial environment.
- Comfortable using technology and computer applications, including Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
- Ability to obtain required rail operating certifications and successfully complete drug, alcohol, and medical assessments.
Physical Requirements
This is a physically demanding role requiring the ability to:
- Frequently climb on and off locomotives and railcars.
- Work outdoors in varying weather conditions year-round.
- Lift, carry, and manipulate air hoses and rail equipment.
- Operate hand brakes, switches, and derails.
- Walk long distances on uneven surfaces and maintain awareness in an active industrial setting.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience as a Switchman, Conductor, Yard Operator, or Locomotive Operator.
- Prior railroad, industrial switching, or rail transportation experience.
- Experience working in a chemical plant, refinery, petrochemical facility, manufacturing plant, or other process-based industrial environment.
- Familiarity with hazardous materials handling procedures and strict industrial safety standards.
- Valid driver's license with a safe driving record.
Why This Role Matters
Rail operations are a critical component of the chemical industry's supply chain. As a Cando Switchman, you will help ensure the safe and efficient movement of materials that support manufacturing operations while working within a highly regulated environment where safety, reliability, and professionalism are essential to success.