Purpose:

The Conductor is responsible for the safe and reliable operation of SMART trains. Responsible for courteous and professional interaction with passengers, and inspection of fares.

This position is a certified Conductor’s position responsible for the safe movement of trains by adhering to applicable operating rules and practices. Assures excellent service delivery by adhering to District service standards. Ensures safety of passengers and crew by adhering to safety rules. Submits various reports to record movement delays, unusual occurrences, passenger inconveniences, and mechanical defects. This position will be responsible for communicating appropriate and pertinent information to dispatchers, customers, supervisors, and others designated to receive such information. Assists in boarding and detraining of passengers and baggage. Makes customer service announcements and provides information about train service to include passenger connections. Makes special arrangements in case of service failure. Ensures each passenger has the proper fare. Ensures safe and orderly passenger conduct. This position will also be responsible for incidental housekeeping and cleaning of trains at terminals.

Position Details and Qualifications:

• Must possess a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent.
• Must possess a Conductor certification per 49 CFR Part 242.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Base Hourly Wage: $36.83 - $43.32 per hour
• There is a 9 month probationary period following appointment to this position.
• A thorough background check will be required including, but not limited to: current and past employers, personal contacts, education verification.
• Position subject to District, DOT and FRA Drug and Alcohol Testing.
• A pre-employment physical, including a urinalysis drug screen, will be required.
• A pre-employment psychological screening, administered by a licensed/certified psychologist, will be required.

Notice to Applicants:

• In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications of the position, your responses to the supplemental questions will be scored using criteria specific to the position.
• Qualified Applicants will be invited to interview based on their group ranking. Please note that not all applicants will be contacted for interviews as part of the selection process.
• According District needs, based on your ranking and qualifications, your application may remain active for future openings.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by, and minimum requirements required of, employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. SMART reserves the right to determine and amend job responsibilities.

• Inspects and prepares trains for operation, and/or reports vehicle defects found during routine vehicle inspection to the appropriate staff in order to ensure safe, serviceable Performs air brake tests and associated other equipment inspections.
• Ensures compliance with rules governing responses to SMART’s cab and wayside signals system per 49 CFR Part 236.1401, Training and Qualifications for Positive Train Control (PTC) Personnel.
• Maintains understanding of operating characteristics and practices including physical characteristics, safety rules, air brake rules, SMART Operating rules, equipment trouble-shooting practices, and emergency procedures.
• Physically moves between and around train cars manipulating and lifting heavy air hoses and electrical cables.
• Is in overall charge of the train, interacts with passengers, enforces the SMART fare ordinance, and other SMART rules and ordinances.
• Citizen Arrests may be occasionally necessary.
• Prepare incident reports, as well as testify in court when subpoenaed.
• Produces written reports of witnessed incidents, accidents or unusual circumstances that affect the safe movement of trains or the condition of SMART
• Acts as liaison with first responders.
• Between trips, and during paid time between parts of runs, performs other duties as assigned, including cleaning or sweeping out trains, assisting passengers, handling delivery of internal SMART mail, and other operations-related
• Monitors radio communications to ensure that trains are operating in full compliance with all applicable rules, Dispatcher and Supervisor instructions.
• Observes passengers entering and exiting train doors for any safety or security
• Detects any boarding or alighting problems and takes corrective
• Answers customer inquiries and maintains a courteous and friendly demeanor with all customers.
• Ensures proper operation of automatic on-board public announcement system, and, if necessary, makes on-board or exterior announcements, and special announcements as necessary or as requested by Dispatch.
• Performs switching, make-up and break-up of trains, as well as ground tasks such as coupling and uncoupling of passenger and freight cars, making and breaking air and electrical connections, and operating track
• Takes procedural and/or necessary action during emergencies such as evacuating passengers, administering CPR, AED and first aid, and/or using a fire extinguisher during emergencies.
• Communicates to customers and Dispatch appropriate information in the event of a need to evacuate a
• Oversees the safe and orderly evacuation of a train maintaining maximum control of such a situation in accordance with prescribed emergency
• Notifies Dispatch of any trespassing or emergency situations on or near right-of-way, or of service disruption, requesting appropriate additional instruction or assistance as required.
• Reports observed defects and unsafe conditions regarding tracks, switches, signals, and other related conditions that may affect the safe movement of
• Reports observed equipment failures and malfunctions of a mechanical or electrical nature to
• Troubleshoots mechanical and electronic problems in service working with Supervisors and Vehicle Maintenance personnel to isolate problems, take corrective action, and restore service as quickly as
• Maintains required Hours-of-Service records.
• Uses a variety of communications equipment, including public address system, two-way radios and emergency
• Monitors and learns to apply changes in operating and emergency
• Is responsible for knowing current rules, policies and
• Must be aware of daily bulletins and announcements, and any revisions to policies and
• Demonstrates a demeanor and well-groomed appearance that conveys to passengers a sense of competence and complete professionalism. Must understand and comply with SMART’s Uniform & Grooming Policies when engaged in performing passenger service.
• Turns in all lost articles found on train to the proper
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must possess a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent.
• Must possess a Conductor certification per 49 CFR Part 242.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Other Qualifications

• Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment medical exam that uses the standards of the California Commercial Driver’s license.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to acquire and maintain a valid California driver’s license within sixty (60) days of employment.
• Must have a satisfactory driving record meeting Federal Railroad Administration requirement:
  • SMART is required to consider the following incidents for the preceding 36 months prior to SMART certification:
    • A conviction for or a completed state action to cancel, revoke, suspend, or deny a motor vehicle driver’s license for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of or impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance.
    • A conviction for or a completed state action to cancel, revoke, suspend or deny a motor vehicle driver’s license for refusal to undergo such testing as is required by State law when a law enforcement official seeks to determine whether a person is operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
  • If such an incident as described above is documented, SMART will follow 49 CFR Part 242.111.
• In addition to the FRA satisfactory driving record requirements, SMART requires the following:
  • No more than two moving violations and/or “at fault” accidents with the last 3 years;
  • No “at fault” in a fatal accident within the past 5 years;
  • No leaving the scene of an accident within the past 3 years;
  • No DUI’s or Reckless Driving codes within the last 7 years on the current DMV printout.

Skill in:

• Interpreting and applying oral and written instructions in a consistent manner.
• Dealing with individuals from various socio-economic groups, as well as those with different levels of mobility, in a tactful, calm and confident manner.
• Completing forms and reports clearly and accurately.
• Observing and detecting unusual, hazardous, or emergency situations and taking appropriate action within prescribed guidelines.
• Communicating effectively using a two-way radio, phone, computer, and public address system.

Knowledge of:

• Operating and safety rules for working in a railroad environment.
• Methods and techniques of dealing effectively with varied groups and individuals under both emergency and routine situations.
• The use of basic office equipment, such as a phone, computer, keyboard and printer.
• Current general first aid, AED, and CPR.

Ability to:

• Maintain a positive attitude while working within a highly structured system of rules and procedures.
• Demonstrate a high level of psychological adaptability to a stressful work environment requiring concentration, attention to safety and to detail, consciousness of time and teamwork.
• Ability to demonstrate considerable judgement is required in dealing with emergency situations, enforcing regulations and in coordination of other personnel, first responders, and emergency personnel.
• Make logical decisions that evince sound thinking within a framework of rules.
• Maintain a SMART Conductor Certificate issued in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration regulations in 49 CFR Part 242.
• Read, learn, understand, and retain:
  • SMART Operating Rules;
  • General Code of Operating Rules;
  • SMART Employee’s Timetable and Special Instructions;
  • SMART Safety Rules;
  • Guidelines of the Federal Railroad Administration; and
  • Other policies and procedures as assigned by SMART management.
• Communicate orally in a clear, concise, articulate manner with customers, supervisors and Dispatch.
• Maintain good customer relations.
• Maintain a constant state of alertness and work in a safer manner.
• Assist in the evacuation of passengers from a disabled train, including disabled passengers.
• Properly document accident/incidents and provide professional testimony in court if required.
• Obtain certification in CPR, AED and basic first aid within 30 days of employment.
• Perform the physical requirements of the job.
• Work irregular work hours, early and late shifts, holidays and weekends;
• Understand, read and communicate (both orally and in writing) in Standard English.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be physically able to:
  • Climb safely using three-point contact from the level of the track ballast into a SMART passenger car whose floor is located 48” above the top of the rail.
  • Walk safely to or along tracks and trains, in the yard, on the mainline and branches and spur track. May require walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Climb into trains or an engine cab.
• Requires maintaining the physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time and for walking, bending, stooping and climbing.
• Must have the ability to frequently reach, lift, maneuver and carry objects of varying dimensions and weights up to one hundred (100) pounds.
• Must be able to occasionally carry, kneel, crawl, balance, crouch, push/pull,
• Must be able to regularly stand, walk, climb and reach overhead.
• Must have manual dexterity, good eye-hand coordination, and be able to type and utilize a mouse.
• Must meet or exceed Federal Railroad Administration standards for vision and hearing acuity.
• Requires maintaining a condition of mental alertness and an ability to sustain concentration on signals and detailed observation of wayside conditions without becoming fatigued or bored.
• Must be able to perform or assist in the safe evacuation of overweight and/or potentially disabled passengers from a high floor (48” above top of rail) passenger train car onto the track ballast level.
• Drive a motorized vehicle
• Some of these requirements maybe accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
• If you are a person with a disability and require an accommodation to participate in a SMART program, service, or activity, requests may be made by calling SMART Human Resources at 707-794-3039 (Voice), Dial 711 for CA Relay, or by email to jobs@sonomamarintrain.org at least five business days in advance of the event. We will do our best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats upon request.

Position Details:

• Base Hourly Wage: $36.83 - $43.32 per
• There is a 9 month probationary period following appointment to this position.
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• A thorough background check will be required including, but not limited to: current and past employers, personal contacts, education verification. A credit report will be required for positions covered under Labor Code 1024.5.

(A complete list of background checks documents will be provided upon request).

• Position subject to Hours-of-Service DOT and FRA Regulations.
• Position subject to District, DOT and FRA Drug and Alcohol Testing
• A pre-employment physical, including a urinalysis drug screen, will be required.
• A pre-employment psychological screening, administered by a licensed/certified psychologist, will be required.
• Train Conductors may be required to report to and from any location on the railroad

The Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit District is an Equal Opportunity Employer