Job summary

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as conductor for coordinating the movement. makeup, or breakup of rail locomotives and train cars transporting various cargo and munitions. Administers the function or the Railroad Operations Activity within the Vehicle Operations Element and assists in loading/unloading operations

Major duties

As crew member in charge, monitors the safe makeup, breakup, and movement of locomotive. Performs or oversees operator preventative maintenance/inspection of assigned railway equipment and tracks. Drives heavy motor vehicles including tractors/trailers and passenger buses capable of carrying 16 - 44 passengers, typically having a GVW of more than 32,000 pounds. Operates one or more electric, LPG, or diesel powered forklift trucks. Performs operator maintenance/inspections.

Qualification

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C for the WG-5700 Transportation/Mobile Equipment Operation Group. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time. The screen out element for this position is ability to do the work of a WG-5736 CONDUCTOR more than normal without supervision. JOB ELEMENTS: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: I. Knowledge of coordinating (onsite) the movement, make-up, or break up of trains. locomotives, and train cars. 2. Knowledge of railroad track system; knowledge of and ability to follow numerous safety, signaling, switching, track use, train car, and train movement procedures, restrictions, and requirements. 3. Knowledge of the movement and braking characteristics of locomotives, train cars, and various sizes of trains under a variety of weather, visibility, cargo, track, and of operating one or more electric, LPG, or diesel powered forklifts and other operating conditions. 4. Knowledge of operating one or more gasoline, diesel, or electric powered wheeled vehicles with a GVWR over 32.000 pounds such as truck tractors with semi or full trailers, heavy load in-line trucks, or buses. 5. Ability to plan efficient work sequences in making up, breaking up. and overseeing (onsite the safe movement or trains: ability to coordinate the work of a train crew. and the ability to enforce numerous operational and safety procedures and requirements. 6. Ability to perform operator maintenance and inspections on various equipment and vehicles. Physical Effort The employee uses considerable physical activity and effort in pushing, pulling lifting. positioning, and turning various braking, switching. and coupling devices (i.e .. draw bars); moving and lifting arms and devices to give signals: walking over rails and tics running (over safe areas) to perform tasks: and climbing aboard locomotives and train cars: sometimes while they arc moving or have slippery steps. rungs, and grab irons. May lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds or put forth similar effort in pushing or removing obstacles from the railway. Work may involve intense concentration and observation to coordinate crew activities and ensure safe overall train movement. Work requires reaching, turning, or moving hands, arms, feet, and legs to operate hand and foot controls. Associated duties require stooping, bending, and climbing. Lifts and carries objects and heavier objects with assistance. Working Conditions Employee works under adverse conditions in both good and bad weather. Frequently exposed lo conditions such as loud noise. from operating train. train whistle. and horn: fumes and odors: all types of weather conditions: danger or slipping. falling between moving cars: and severe injury from moving parts and boxcars, coupling devices, etc. Wears protective clothing, such as safety shoes and gloves as required. Vehicle operators work mostly outside and operate vehicles in all kinds or traffic and weather on public roads (or equivalent). and arc exposed to the danger or serious accidents. Drivers arc exposed to dirt, fumes, and to the possibility of cuts, bruises. and broken bones as a result or accidents when loading and unloading the vehicle. They drive in heavy traffic and at highway speeds over complicated road and interchange systems. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Evaluations

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. BASIS OF RATING: Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience relates to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable. Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements. Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements. Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum experience requirements. The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. All Federal Wage Schedule (FWS) applicants must complete the assessment questionnaire in its entirety or it will result in an ineligible rating. Applicants who meet the requirements for and apply as a non-competitive eligible that meet minimal qualifications and other requirements of this position, may be given consideration as a non-competitive candidate and will be referred unless blocked by an individual with priority/preference. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.