Block Operator - 90213130 - Philadelphia

Your success is a train ride away!

As we move America’s workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

Are you ready to join our team?

Our values of ‘Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First’ are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, ‘Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security’ are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES: 
The Block Operator uses an electronic/automated system, arranges the use of blocks, tracks, interlocking switches and signals ensuring the prompt and efficient movement of trains.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Under the direct supervision of the Train Dispatcher follows instructions and advises them immediately of any occurrences which may affect proper operation or safety of train movement.
• Using an electronic/automated system, arranges the use of blocks, tracks, interlocking switches and signals for the prompt movement of trains in accordance with the rules, Form Ds and special instructions.
• Per instructions from the Train Dispatcher, delivers Form Ds, messages and other instructions.
• Communicates information essential to safe operations utilizing one or more of the following: voice, hand signals, block line, computers, telephone, radio, interlocking appliances and written communication.
• Observes passing trains in compliance with company operating rules and reports train defects and the improper display of marking devices.
• Completes the transfer portion of the station record of train movement with all necessary information, ensures complete understanding by relieving block operator and signs the record in his/her presence.
• Maintains the prescribed station record of train movement in red ink (only).
• Monitors the weather and promptly advises the Train Dispatcher if there’s a sudden change such as high water, storms or fog.
• Works within the guidelines of Amtrak’s System Safety Program.
• Remains on duty until relieved and notifies Train Dispatcher promptly should relief fail to report at the prescribed time.
• Works under Hours of Service guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
Must satisfactorily complete an 8-week training course, including the following written exams: 

• Operating Rules (NORAC) 
• Electrical Operating Instructions (AMT-2) 
• Operation of Signals and Interlockings (AMT-4) 
• Employee Timetable

PREFERRED QUALFICATIONS:

• Experience working as a dispatcher
• Experience working in the transportation field

COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: 
Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.

Candidates who apply to this posting may be contacted now or at a later date when a position becomes available.

The hourly rate is $29.77- $39.69 (with opportunity for increases, as per the applicable collective bargaining agreement, after beginning employment). Amtrak offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes health, dental, and vision plans; wellness programs; flexible spending accounts; 401K retirement plan; life insurance; paid time off; reimbursement of education; Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility; Railroad Retirement sickness and retirement benefits; and rail pass privileges. Some benefits are subject to the collective bargaining agreement. Learn more about our benefits offerings here.

Requisition ID:163582
Posting Location(s):Pennsylvania                                                                                                                                                  
Job Family/Function:Transportation 
Relocation Offered:No 
Travel Requirements:Up to 25% 

You power our progress through your performance.

We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions. 

Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen. 

Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.  

In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR § 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.

In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. §1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses. 

Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Amtrak is an EOE/Affirmative Action Minority/Female employer, and we welcome all to apply. We consider candidates regardless of race/color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions), national origin/ethnicity, age, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.