Locomotive Engineer

Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting prior to the Application Deadline.

Opening

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal.  We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut.  A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation.  MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service and rewarding opportunities to its employees.

Responsibilities

LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of trains, locomotives, and Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) equipment that Metro-North operates. 

For an inside look at the Locomotive Engineer position, please click this link: What does an MNR Locomotive Engineer do? - YouTube

THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Operate Metro-North passenger and work trains on the three main lines and branch lines throughout Metro-North territory in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with all operating and safety rules and instructions
• Perform ground and on-board inspections that include train control apparatus tests, brake tests and other appropriate engine tests
• Monitor gauges, cab signals and other instruments and respond to signal alarms and notifications
• Monitor radio for information and instructions from train crews or rail traffic controllers and transmit messages via radio
• Respond to unusual conditions such as broken rail, defective third rail and catenary, fouled track or fire on board
• Control the movement of trains by operating speed and brake controls in response to signal and track conditions encountered and according to the operating schedule
• Communicate via radio with rail traffic controllers, yardmasters and train crewmembers
• Maintain alertness and a constant lookout ahead, do not allow distractions to interfere with the safe and efficient operation of the train
• Secure train at completion of trip and/or while in yard service
• Complete required paperwork
• Read, understand, and comply with bulletin orders, train orders, and general orders
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical and operational train issues encountered while in route
• Responsible for all other work generally recognized as the work of Locomotive Engineers performed on main or branch lines; within yard facilities; or, in road, local or yard service

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) and
• Three years of demonstrated work experience
• Active Metro-North employees must have a minimum of three years of experience and must have completed all formal training commitments, including any applicable on the job training (e.g., Signal Trainee, Foreman in Training, etc.)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Professional experience working in a leadership or supervisory capacity or a position requiring initiative and responsibility
• Current certified Locomotive Engineer pursuant to 49 CFR Part 240 on a Class I railroad. A valid copy of prior railroad history pursuant to 49 CFR 240.109 must be furnished
• Three years of commercial experience in one of the following crafts: Bus Driver, Truck Driver, Commercial Pilot, Subway Train Operator
• Demonstrated mechanical/electrical background
• Prior Railroad operating experience
• Some college credits
• Valid driver’s license

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Ability to work under stressful conditions; written and verbal communication skills; reading comprehension; knowledge of operating and safety rules; knowledge of physical characteristics; mechanical aptitude; skilled in exercising independent judgment; ability to anticipate and analyze problems and take appropriate corrective actions; must be able to evaluate a situation to make decisions and work under pressure; ability to follow instructions; must be punctual and have good time management skills; must have the ability to multi-task; must be able to maintain attentiveness and concentrate on a task for an extended period of time without being distracted; must be able to respond quickly and appropriately to situations that are presented (i.e., signals, alarms, emergency situations, etc.); ability to work well in a team environment; must be safety conscious

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Regulated by hours of service law; must be qualified on Book of Rules, characteristics, and air brakes; must pass periodic examinations; must pass periodic physical examination; must be capable of being licensed pursuant to FRA regulations; must maintain licensing requirements

Rate of Pay

The starting rate for this position is $35.15 (70% of the full rate).  The wage progression scale is as follows: Year 1=70%>Year 2=70%>Year 3=75%>Year 4=80%>Year 5=85%>Year 6=85%>Year 7=90%>Year 8=100%.  The full rate of pay is $50.21 per hour.

The rate of pay for Metro-North employees transferring into this craft will be determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

MNR Health Insurance & Vacation

As a full-time employee, you are eligible for the following health and welfare benefits.

Our benefits program provides flexibility, protection, and value through:

• Health care benefits, including medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Welfare Benefits, including basic and optional life, dependent life, basic and optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Disability benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts, including a Health Care Account and Dependent Care Account
• Retirement benefits, including a retirement plan, 401(k) and 457 savings plans

Seniority

NEW HIRES placed in the training program are represented by the Association of Commuter Rail Employees (ACRE) and will be considered new employees at Metro-North for seniority purposes.

CURRENT Metro-North employees of any other craft or class may, once accepted into the training program, continue to hold their seniority subject to applicable agreements of that craft or class; however, upon successful completion of the training program as Locomotive Engineer, such employees must relinquish seniority in all other crafts before being placed on the Locomotive Engineer's seniority roster, represented by ACRE.  Additionally, upon mark up, per ACRE's Collective Bargaining Agreement, all trainees are subjected to a mandatory probationary period.  Employees starting on the same date will be ranked on the ACRE seniority roster in the order of their company service.

Assignments

Current vacancies may be Extra List positions. Those on the Extra List are on call 24 hours per day, five days per week.  Assignments can be on any location on the Company's lines and the hours are irregular.

Other Information

This is a federally regulated position subject to both pre-employment and continuous random toxicological screening.

As an employee of Metro-North Railroad you may be required to complete a New York State financial disclosure statement, if you earn more than $105,472.00 or if you hold a position designated as a policy maker.

Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position. 

DETAILS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

• Manual dexterity and reaching required to operate train controls
• Ability to maintain vigilance and stay alert for prolonged periods of time
• Color vision required to read and interpret signal indications and interpret certain train indicators
• Ability to climb onto and down from railroad cars, locomotives and station platforms from ground level
• Ability to verbally communicate with passengers, train crew and other railroad employees
• Ability to safely climb under, in between and around train cars

DETAILS OF WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works primarily alone in cab areas, but must be able to work with other crew members
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Works primarily on-board trains, but is exposed to all weather conditions while working in yards
• Must be able to work various days, shifts and 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.

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 www.mta.info

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

How to Apply

MTA employees must apply via My MTA Portal. You can submit an online application by logging into My MTA Portal, clicking the My Job Search ribbon, and selecting the “Careers” link. 

Logging in through My MTA Portal will link your BSC ID number to your job application to identify you as an internal applicant.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.