Railway Conductor Trainee

Railway Conductor Trainee

Salary

$32.18 - $39.07 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

7104-26

Department

Rail

Division

Rail

Opening Date

11/02/2026

Closing Date

11/16/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

Tacoma Rail has provided rail transportation as a public entity since 1914. With 16 locomotives, more than 100 employees and about 43 miles of track in two operating divisions within Pierce County, Tacoma Rail provides key freight connections for customers in the greater Tacoma Washington area, handling in excess of 100,000 freight shipments per year.

Tacoma Rail is establishing a hiring roster for Railway Conductor Trainees. This entry-level position is designed to prepare candidates for a career as a Railway Conductor through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on field training, and practical experience in rail operations.

Under direct supervision, the Conductor Trainee will learn safe train operations, switching procedures, and compliance with federal, state, and local railway regulations. Successful candidates will develop the knowledge, skills, and certifications required to progress into a Railway Conductor position.

Railroading requires a willingness to spend significant time outdoors in often challenging conditions; candidates should be flexible, willing to learn, and able to perform multiple tasks while maintaining a strong focus on safety and efficiency.

One of Tacoma Rails keys to success is providing a safe work environment for our employees. We believe that our employees are our most valuable asset and that every accident or injury is preventable. We promote a culture that makes safety our highest priority.

Responsibilities Include:

• Assist the Railway Conductor in the safe and efficient switching of railcars, spotting operations, and revenue train movements.

• Operate switches and derails; apply and release hand brakes; couple and uncouple railcars and air hose connections; mount and dismount rail equipment; and perform air brake tests under the direction of a Railway Conductor.

• Place railcars at designated customer locations and assist with interchange operations involving Class I railroads.

• Communicate with Locomotive Engineers and train crews using standard hand signals, lantern signals, and radio communications to direct train movements, including starting, stopping, and reversing operations.

• Learn and apply railroad operating rules, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements while participating in classroom and field training programs.

• Maintain routine records and reports, including switch lists, customer requests, and time reports.

• Successfully complete required training programs, examinations, and certifications necessary to qualify for advancement to Railway Conductor.

This position is subject to federally regulated safety-sensitive requirements and all applicants shall be required to meet those standards.

Rate of pay is contingent upon qualifications and experience. Terms of the collective bargaining unit shall apply.

Outdoor Conditions: This position is subject to working in severe weather conditions, around noise, fumes and dust. Use of personal protective equipment is required.

Working Conditions: Lifting up to 75 pounds, climbing, squatting, pushing, pulling and walking on uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, and twisting motions. Incumbents in this position will be responsible for safely handling hazardous material shipments in railcars.

Shifts/hours: This is a full-time position; subject to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Must be able to report to work 2 hours after notification and be able to work up to 12 hours per shift.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• No prior railroad experience is necessary, but any work experience in a transportation or logistics environment is beneficial

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age by date of hire
• Non-DOT Medical review
• Pre-employment DOT drug and alcohol screening
• Physical agility test
• Valid Washington State Driver's License at time of appointment, with maintenance thereafter
• Department of Homeland Security background check, which must result in the issuance of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within 60 days of appointment, with maintenance thereafter

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Regularly work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold and precipitation; subject to noise, fumes, dust and other environmental hazards
• Occasionally perform duties requiring physical exertion, including pushing, pulling and lifting heavy objects up to 80 pounds
• Frequently stand / walk for long periods of time; walk on uneven surfaces
• Frequently climb, including climbing ladders, climbing onto railcars and onto other equipment
• Must meet standards for visual acuity and hearing acuity per §242.105(d)
• Safety equipment, such as ear plugs, leather work boots with a defined heel and full ankle support must be worn as required
• Must be able to work varying and irregular schedules 24/7, including on-call shifts, including weekends, nights and holidays, as well as report for duty at a variety of locations that may change frequently

Knowledge & Skills

Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to safety, a strong work ethic, the ability to learn technical procedures, and the willingness to work outdoors in a physically demanding railroad environment. Prior railroad experience is not required; training will be provided.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn!

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $32.18 - $39.07

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

City of Tacoma's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity

At the City of Tacoma, were on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacomas geographic area. Downtowns Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and Americas Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

01

Do you have a High School Diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02

This position requires employees to have a valid Washington State drivers license their first day on the job. If you are offered this position, will you have a valid Washington State drivers license on your first day of work?

• Yes
• No

03

Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration.

• Yes
• No

04

Safety is the highest priority at Tacoma Rail. Describe a situation where you were required to follow strict safety procedures or regulations. What actions did you take to ensure compliance, and what was the result?

05

This position requires working nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and variable shifts. Please describe your experience working irregular schedules and the strategies you use to remain reliable, alert, and safe while performing your job responsibilities.

06

This position requires climbing ladders, walking on uneven surfaces, lifting and carrying equipment, and working outdoors in all weather conditions. Please describe any work, training, or life experiences that demonstrate your ability to perform these physical requirements safely and effectively.

07

Describe a situation where you made an error or encountered a setback. How did you handle it, what was the outcome, and what did you learn that improved your future performance?

08

One of the Citys Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe any experience you have working with diverse groups of people.

09

Please tell us how you learned about this job opening. Select one.

• Job Interest Card notification
• Professional organization
• Military organization
• City of Tacoma employee
• Online job board posting
• Word of mouth
• LinkedIn
• Tacoma Training & Education Program (TTEP)
• Indeed
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Careers in Government
• Government Jobs
• Outreach Event
• Tribal Organization
• Veteran Job Network
• Spring Recruiting
• Other (see below)

10

Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.

Required Question

Employer City of Tacoma

Address Human Resources Department

747 Market Street

Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone 253-591-5400

Website http://www.tacoma.gov