How to become LIRR Train Operator?

[Charris718]

Just wanted to know how to go about being a LIRR T/O. I searched but couldnt find anything, any help would be appreciated.

[Truckie]

Visit http://www.mta.info and go to the employment section for LIRR. Every now than then they'll have a job posting for Locomotive Engineer.

[Noflexdont]

This is one of the hardest jobs to get in the entire state, good luck and knowing someone at the top tiers of management will definitely help.

[traintrain]

this is LLIR locomotive engineer info....position is open to apply to now BUT read below for minimum requirements"

 

Responsibilities - Operate and transport Metro-North passenger trains on the three main lines and branch lines throughout Metro-North territory in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with operating and safety rules.

- Perform ground and on-board inspections that include train control apparatus tests, brake tests and other appropriate engine tests.

- Monitor cab signals and respond to signal alarms; monitor radio for information and instructions from train crews or Rail Traffic Controllers; transmit messages via radio; and, respond to unusual conditions such as broken rail, defective third rail and catenary, fouled track, and fire on board.

- 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 Employees must meet all of the following:

Must be a Metro-North Employee with a minimum 12 months in his/her current position or craft. At least 18 months of railroad experience is preferred. Crafts covered by a training agreement/program are not eligible until completion of commitment.

- Must have good communication skills and be able to read and speak English fluently.

- Must have manual dexterity to operate train controls.

- Must be able to read and understand operating and safety rules.

- Must be able to exercise independent judgment.

- Must be able to analyze problems and be able to take corrective actions.

- Must be able to "recognize and distinguish" the colors of signals.

- Must be able to climb on and off equipment.

- Must successfully complete the training program, which includes on-the-job training. Failure to successfully pass any segment of the training will result in denial of application or termination from the Locomotive Engineers Training Program. Rate of Pay The wage progression scale is as follows: 70>75>80>85>90>100%. The full rate of pay is $37.8/hour.

The rate of pay for Metro-North employees transferring into this Craft will be determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Seniority 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. Employees starting on the same date will be ranked on the ACRE seniority roster in the order of their company service. Assignments The job openings may be Extra List positions. Those on the Extra List are on call 24 hours per day, five days per week. Assignments can be to any location on the Company's lines, and the hours are irregular.

[LIRR 154]

That's actually for Metro North. Similar responsibilities ,but different pay ,different union ,different work rules.

[Truckie]

As LIRR 154 stated this is for Metro North Railroads Locomotive Engineer Training Program.

 

The biggest hurdle for anyone to meet the minimum requirements is to be a current MNR employee for 12 months. That's a company policy to change to any other craft. Not just Locomotive Engineer.

 

None of the other minimum requirements are not a big deal considering what is involved with the job:

- Must have good communication skills and be able to read and speak English fluently. This is so you can read the rule book and Form M's and communicate with RTC and other crew members.

 

- Must have manual dexterity to operate train controls. No explanation needed, there's time one may have to be at the controls for numbers hours at a time, especially in yard service.

 

- Must be able to read and understand operating and safety rules. If you can't do this how can you apply them?

 

- Must be able to exercise independent judgment. On the trains it's just you and the conductor. You gotta be able to work on your own.

 

- Must be able to analyze problems and be able to take corrective actions. Same as above.

 

- Must be able to "recognize and distinguish" the colors of signals. If you can't tell the difference between red, green, amber and ivory, white and blue, you can't read the signals and can't operate the equipment safely.

 

- Must be able to climb on and off equipment. This could be from five feet off the ground to about ten feet for some of the diesels.

 

 

- Must successfully complete the training program, which includes on-the-job training. Failure to successfully pass any segment of the training will result in denial of application or termination from the Locomotive Engineers Training Program. If you can't pass the tests you can't apply the rules to actual operations.

 

If an individual can't do any of these things they have no business operation a train. Being a locomotive engineer is a huge responsibility that one can't take lightly. With each train you have the responsibility of upwards of 1000 people. If you miss just one signal there could be huge consequences ranging from a minimum of being out of service for a month to criminal charges for the people you kill. Additionally the FRA could impose fines for violations to the company and the individual if it's a willful violation.