PATH Locomotive Engineer Switching/ Extra Engineer Switching (EES) Trainee

About the Role:

The Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) Corporation is looking for Engineers (EES) to join their team! Come be a part of a critical transit link that keeps the region moving!

The Locomotive Engineer Trainee, also known as the Extra Engineer/Switching (EES) reports to and receives instructions from the Trainmaster, Assistant Trainmaster, Operations Examiner and Train Dispatcher/Terminal Supervisor. The Locomotive Engineer Trainee/EES is responsible for the safety, regularity, and proper care of the assigned train. This job is a precursor to the training and final qualifications for Locomotive Engineer. As a Locomotive Engineer for the PATH Corporation, Engineers are responsible for operating their trains in compliance with the Federal Railroad Administration and PATH operating rules and posted schedules.

NOTE: The foregoing is not exclusive and is not meant to describe all those duties which may be assigned pursuant to the agreement between PATH and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen (BLET). Locomotive Engineer Trainees/EES are required to work at various locations in NJ and NY and works rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.  Locomotive Engineer Trainees enter a Training Program that requires satisfactory performance as well as regular and routine attendance; absence from Training Program or unsatisfactory performance may result in removal from the Training Program. 

Qualifications

Candidates must present the following qualifications to be considered eligible for this position:

• High School or Equivalency Diploma or GED Equivalent is required.
• Two (2) years of relevant work experience in transportation operations (commercial bus driver, truck driver, subway/train operator, commercial pilot, or heavy equipment operator), or in mechanical, diesel, automotive, electrical, or technical fields; or Relevant internship experience or industry certification in one of the above areas may be considered in lieu of work experience.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems and basic maintenance tasks.
• Must be available to work various shift schedules (can be up to 12 hours) including weekends, holidays, overnight and overtime shifts.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Able to communicate with dispatchers, crew member and the control center via radio or other communication devices.
• Must have the ability to effectively and accurately understand, interpret, reference, evaluate, technical and non-technical information.
• Must have the ability to become and remain FRA/PATH compliant as it relates to the requirements of 49 CFR Part 240 and of operating rules.
• Position requires working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, in, on and around moving heavy equipment.
• Must work safely and efficiently and not cause a threat to the health and safety of self and others.
• Must have the ability to perform continuous physical tasks for extended periods of time.
• Safely and efficiently work, stand and walk on uneven ground and/or climbing on/off equipment in varying conditions.
• Qualified candidates must be eligible to receive a Locomotive Engineer Certification, pursuant to C.F.R. Part 240, and are expected to successfully pass the required pre-employment requirements, which include: medical exams, including Hearing & Vision exams and assessment for the risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (“OSA”) interview panel, practical evaluation/physical agility test, background check, and drug/alcohol screening.

Desired Qualifications:

Ideal candidates will present the following profile:

• A certification in locomotive engineer, conductor, tower operator, dispatcher or other railroad certified position.
• Work experience demonstrating skills in clear and effective verbal communication.
• Ability to read and comprehend written safety rules, procedure and safety manuals, government regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, memos, and other work-related information.
• Ability to maintain alertness, awareness, and vigilance at all times.
• Ability to work safely and act quickly in responding to emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Maintains positive and productive working relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
• Demonstrates good communication skills and judgement, competence, good work ethic, integrity, attendance, and a positive attitude.

At the Port Authority of NY & NJ, our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace is unwavering. We recognize that not every candidate may meet every single desired qualification outlined in the position description. We also welcome applications from military veterans and their spouses and will review resumes for related experiences. If you are interested in this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with all qualifications, we still encourage you to apply.

Selection Process

Qualified candidates will be assessed via a written exam and a practical exam or interview. For this position, the following skills will be assessed:

• Written Examination The written examination is designed to measure knowledge in areas such as PATH procedure and rules for employees engaged in the operation of trains (Book of Rules) and basic signals. The Written Exam will need to be completed by June 7th to be considered for this position.
• Oral Examination consists of questions designed to measure such factors as personal qualifications and interest for this position, knowledge of railroad operations, and one's interpersonal and job-related skills.

Practical Examination is designed to measure practical skills and abilities related to performance of the duties in the position of Extra Engineer Switching (EES) and Conductor such as climbing on and/or off train cars and preparing train cars for operation. Study materials for this test may be accessed from the following link: https://www.panynj.gov/content/dam/port-authority/careers/path-conductor-ees-study-guide-practical-aider.pdf

Candidates who qualify on the practical exam will be eligible to be offered a position as they become available. Selected candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background check which includes a review of previous DOT-regulated employment and driver’s license history and medical examination, which includes Hearing & Vision, and screening for risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (“OSA”). Participation in the selection process does not guarantee an offer or a position with The Port Authority Trans Hudson Corporation (PATH).

Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo A background check. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted.

Compensation & Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey & PATH Corporation offer a competitive salary, an outstanding benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

The starting salary for: Locomotive Engineer Trainee / EES is $36.89 Per Hour. (Subject to collective bargaining agreement)

This position is deemed safety sensitive per the Department of Transportation (DOT) Drug and Alcohol Regulations. Locomotive Engineers are subject to tests for Drugs & Alcohol pursuant to Federal requirements, which include pre-employment, random, post-accident/incident, and reasonable suspicion tests. DOT Regulations do not allow for the use of medical or recreational marijuana.

PATH operates 24 hours per day/7 days per week/365 days per year.  Employees are required to work weekends, holidays, atypical hours (evening and midnight shifts) and during inclement weather conditions. Incumbents may be subjected to mandatory overtime at the beginning or end of their scheduled tour, or on their days off.  A union seniority system dictates work schedules for jobs represented by one of PATH’s unions, and time off may not be immediately available during the usual summer and holiday periods.  Working conditions will be challenging, including but not limited to inclement weather, direct contact with the public, in tunnel and outside areas during active train service, and an industrial environment. Commitment to attendance is expected and required.