Locomotive Engineer jobs in Colorado

Purpose 

Rocky Mountaineer (RM) is the world’s largest privately owned luxury passenger rail service. We are committed to living our values: Create Meaningful Moments, Be One Team, Achieve Extraordinary Outcomes. We endeavor to foster a work environment of respect, integrity, and honesty; where diversity is valued, and talent is developed to the benefit of the individual and the company.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Rail Operations, the Locomotive Engineer (Dual Certified) is an integral team member of Rocky Mountaineer’s Operations team. The Locomotive Engineer (Dual Certified) will be responsible for the safe operation and direction of Rocky Mountaineer trains, locomotives, and equipment as a locomotive engineer and train conductor. As a Rocky Mountaineer team member, you will be working alongside a diverse group of trades people who are committed to working together, supporting our values, and ensuring we are always on brand as a world class luxury rail tour company

Key Areas of Accountability

• Operate Rocky Mountaineer trains over host railway tracks

• Perform switching of rail equipment and locomotives when required

• Operate rail equipment including operating handbrakes, coupling air hoses between coaches, disconnecting/connecting HEP cables and water lines between coaches, operating track switches/derails

• Comply with PTC rules and regulations

• Comply with all Railway Operating Rules, General Operating Instructions, and applicable safety and operating rules to ensure safe train and locomotive movement

• Communicate with traffic control center staff via radio to receive or issue information concerning oncoming trains, delays, or stops

• Operate the train safely by applying knowledge of the territory, including grades, terrain, curves, and grade crossings; observe track to identify obstructions and anticipate operating issues

• Inspect the condition of the train and equipment

• Maintain communication with RM team and Host Railway

• Participate in personal development company initiatives

Safety

• Comply with all Federal Railroad Association (FRA), General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), General Operating Instructions (GOI), host railway rules/requirements, and all other safety policies, procedures, and safety rules 

• Proven safety record

• Identify, protect, and report safety hazards to management and OH&S Committee 

• Meet or exceed safety and security requirements 

• Maintain basic first aid level provided by Rocky Mountaineer 

• Maintain records of Hours of Service (CFR Title 49 part §228)

• Maintain a clean and safe work area

  Operations

• Support the successful execution of the Operating Plan 

• Provide safe movement and handling of rail equipment 

• Support the company’s materials handling and maintenance strategies 

• Support operational and equipment availability requirements 

• Support 5S Lean methodology to seek continuous improvement efficiencies 

• All other duties as assigned

Mechanical   

• Understand locomotive and passenger car mechanical systems

• Support diagnosing minor breakdowns when required, report mechanical functions, and coordinate with associated mechanical employees to correct issues as needed

• Train for the use of equipment and hand tools

• Train for and perform basic mechanical inspections on locomotives

• Supports a successful Maintenance Program 

• Support mechanical and reliability requirements 

This position is deemed Safety Sensitive and pre-employment testing will be required. Final candidates must successfully pass a safety sensitive medical exam and will undergo medical monitoring as prescribed by rule.  This position requires you to periodically access an active railway area where impaired performance could result in a significant incident affecting the health and safety of team members, guests, the public, property, or the environment.  

Qualifications

Education, Certification, Licenses 

• Previous qualification as a Locomotive Engineer under Railway Operating Rules 

• Completion of high school or equivalent

• Valid U.S. Driver's License and clean driving record 

• First Aid Certification, an asset

• Qualification and/or proven knowledge in safe heavy equipment operation such as forklifts, cranes, etc., an asset

Experience/Skills

• 5 years previous railroad experience as a Locomotive Engineer

• Train Conductor experience an asset

• Understanding of mechanical systems, an asset 

• Previous experience in operating locomotives in Distributed Power mode, an asset

• Previous experience in operating locomotives on mountain grade, an asset

• Strong coordination and organizational skills 

• High attention to detail with a desire to maintain brand standards 

• Personal accountability, adaptability, and problem-solving skills 

• Familiar with computer applications  

• Effective communication and leadership skills  

• Ability to work cross-functionally 

Work Environment (DENVER)

• Frequent travel is required (3-day/2-night round trip per week – Denver, CO to Grand Junction/Moab, UT)

• Physical demands may require lifting to 80 lbs. on occasion

• Rail industrial site that requires walking and sitting throughout the day  

• 24/7 operation that may require varied work schedules 

• Indoor/outdoor working environment

Salary 

Salary: $36.05 an hour 

Eligible Benefits 

All team members regularly working 30 hours per week will be eligible for our group benefits plan, which includes: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision care, and Life Insurance 

• Rocky Mountaineer is covered under the Railroad Retirement Act. The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers the benefits programs covered under the Railroad Retirement Act, including retirement, survivor, unemployment, sickness, and disability benefits. For more information regarding the benefits of the RRB, visit the Railroad Retirement Board website at rrb.gov.

• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance 

• Business travel accident insurance and business travel emergency medical insurance 

• Vacation time, sick time, and company holiday pay

• 401(k) plan (employee contributions only)

• Annual complimentary rail pass (beginning your 2nd season)

• Seasonal wage increases

• End of season bonus 

• Growth opportunities

• Fun and inclusive team environment

Rocky Mountaineer is covered under the Railroad Retirement Act. The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers the benefits programs covered under the Railroad Retirement Act, including retirement, survivor, unemployment, sickness, and disability benefits. For more information regarding the benefits of the RRB, visit the Railroad Retirement Board website at rrb.gov.

"We use E-Verify as part of our hiring practices to comply with having a lawful workforce.

This job description is not exhaustive of all duties and will encompass additional duties assigned. Responsibilities, title, reporting structure and duties may be changed in response to business requirements. Any such changes shall not be deemed as constructive or actual dismissal.

Rocky Mountaineer is an equal opportunity employer, driven by our values of creating meaningful moments, being one team, and achieving extraordinary outcomes. Our strong company culture supports our vision of a diverse, open, safe, and respectful workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.