Job Description

Assistant Conductor

Assistant Conductors are responsible for managing the overall safe, on-time operation of their individual train within the scope of the rules of Transportation Department.

Include but are not limited to:

• Supervise other train crew members.
• Communicate information to passengers, crew and other railroad employees in person and via onboard communication channels.
• Enforce and abide by train safety rules.
• Operate train doors at station stops and assist customers on and off trains as necessary.
• Observe, interpret, and relay signal information to engineers.
• Read, understand, and comply with bulletin orders, general orders, and other applicable rules of the Transportation Department.
• Provide flag protection on Right of Way.
• Assist with yard switching duties and making up trains (e.g., operate switches and couple air hoses and electrical cables).
• Responsible for on the job training and supervision of conductor trainees.
• Manage emergency situations - respond to medical emergencies, equipment breakdowns and direct the evacuation of passengers if necessary.
• Verbally direct the movement of trains.
• Provide professional customer service to passengers.
• Compute and collect fares, sell tickets, make change, and prepare accurate cash reports for timely submission.
• Register for duty on time.
• Prepare trains for service and conduct job safety briefings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Ability to quickly and accurately perform basic mental mathematical calculations; reading comprehension; interpersonal skills; customer service oriented; mechanical aptitude; skilled in exercising independent judgment; ability to anticipate and analyze problems and take corrective actions; must be able to evaluate a situation to make decisions and work under pressure; written and verbal communication skills; ability to multi-task; must be able to function effectively under changing priorities; leadership skills; knowledge of operating and safety rules; knowledge of physical characteristics; must be safety conscious; time management skills; ability to follow instruction and take direction.

The following is/are preferred :

• Professional experience working in a leadership or supervisory capacity or a position requiring initiative and responsibility.
• Some prior mechanical experience.
• Associate degree or higher.

Required Education and Experience

• Minimum of a High School Diploma, General Equivalency Diploma (GED), or Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC).
• External Applicants must have a minimum of two (2) years of verifiable work experience involving customer service and/or cash handling.
• Active Metro-North Employees must have a minimum of one (1) year of experience in their current position upon applying; must satisfy their department promotion/transfer policy and must have completed all formal training commitments, including any applicable on the job training (e.g., Signal Trainee, Foreman in Training, etc.) or required lock-in periods.

Special Requirements

• Regulated by hours of service law; must pass periodic written and physical examinations.
• Must maintain licensing requirements.
• Must comply with all uniform requirements and components

Training Information

• Must successfully complete Metro-North’s Assistant Conductor training program. After successful completion of this training, individuals will work as Assistant Conductors for 12-16 months, before entering mandatory Conductor Promotional training.

Rate of Pay

The starting rate for this position is $34.22/hour (70% of the full rate). The annual wage progression scale as an Assistant Conductor is as follows: Year 1=70% > Year 2=70% > Year 3=75% > Year 4=80% > Year 5=85% > Year 6=100%. The full 100% rate of pay is $48.88/hour.

This rate has been established by the Collective Bargaining Unit and is non-negotiable.

Upon completing the Conductor promotional step and obtaining the Conductor license, the wage progression will follow rates stated in the ACRE Conductor Bargaining Agreement.

Seniority

Applicants will establish seniority in the Association of Commuter Rail Employees (ACRE), the union representing Assistant Conductors, in accordance with the union's current collective bargaining agreement.

Members of ACRE are subject to an initiation fee and monthly union dues.

Details of Physical Activities:

• Ability to stand and maintain balance on moving trains.
• Ability to walk on uneven surfaces while navigating tracks and yard.
• Pushing and pulling ability required to throw switches, maneuver air hoses and electrical cables, open barrel-end doors and apply manual handbrakes.
• Ability to climb onto and down from railroad cars, locomotives and station platforms from ground level.
• Ability to lift and carry material and equipment weighing up to 30lbs. (e.g., backpack full of required material, fire extinguisher, wheel chair ramps, etc.)
• Ability to verbally communicate with passengers, train crew and other railroad employees.
• Ability to distinguish color is required to interpret signal indications and certain train indicators.
• Ability to safely climb under, in between and around train cars.

Details of Working Conditions:

• Works primarily on-board trains, but is exposed to all weather conditions at station stops, while working in yards and while providing flagging protection on Metro-North's tracks and territories.
• Must be able to work various days and shifts including holidays.
• Must be able to report to assigned locations.
• Must be available to be on call for assignments and report for work with short notice.
• Works on and around moving machinery energized third rail and hazardous train equipment.

Other Information

Selection Criteria

Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, not all qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the position are guaranteed an interview. To be selected for a position, one must meet the following criteria: (1) satisfy the minimum requirements listed in the job posting, (2) if applicable, successfully pass a written and practical exam, (3) satisfy a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), and (4) pass a verbal interview. Metro-North may also require the applicant to undergo a physical ability test, and, if the Company extends a conditional offer, may require him or her to undergo a medical examination, which may include toxicological testing. Failure to pass any step within the hiring process will result in the disqualification of your application.

Additional Criteria for Current Employees: Current Metro-North employees must be in active service to be eligible for consideration. Agreement Employees applying for a position outside of their present craft are required to have worked in your current union for at least one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline to be eligible to apply for a posted position, and have completed the agreed upon formal training commitment, including on-the-job training or lock-in requirement, if applicable (for example: Signal Trainee, Foreman-In-Training, etc.). If you are transferring to another craft, you may be required to forfeit your seniority in your present union. Non-agreement employees must have worked in your current position for a minimum of one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline. Along with a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), employees are also subject to an internal investigation, which includes an evaluation not limited to discipline records and performance assessments.

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. If interested, please apply online at

Based on evaluation of education, skills, experience, and interview.

Equal Employment Opportunity/ADA Disclaimer

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

If you seek a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability, or for a religious practice or observance, to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.

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