Locomotive Engineer

Who May Apply: US Citizens

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a Locomotive Engineer without more than normal supervision to include 1) Operating locomotives to pull attached cars, mixed types and sizes of train cars, and control speed and early anticipation of braking and accelerating requirements; and 2) Performing operator maintenance on engines, such as checking brakes, warning devices, reversing lever, sander, air, oil, electrical and temperature gages for proper operation. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Selective Placement Factor: This position requires current licensure or certification as a locomotive engineer in accordance with 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 240 (Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers). (Note: You must attach a copy of your license or certification with your application package.)

To meet the basic eligibility, you must receive at least two points on the screen-out element indicated above. Your application will be further evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for referral to the selecting official.

Physical Effort: Must be able to climb up and down steep steps or ladders to board and leave the train. Locomotive operation requires continuous manipulation of hand-operated controls while stretching, turning, and shifting position for best visibility. Is subject to physical strain from swaying motions and jarring movements, particularly when coupling cars and running on rough track. Maintenance work requires working on top of and under the locomotives and railroad cars in cramped and awkward positions. Requires frequent lifting and carrying of items weighing up to 45 pounds and the pushing, pulling, turning, and positioning of parts and assemblies.

Working Conditions: Operates the locomotives in a cab which may be hot or cold, and inspects and maintains the equipment indoors in a Rail Maintenance Facility, and occasionally outdoors. The incumbent is exposed to bad weather, exhaust fumes, loud noise, and dirt or dust. Is exposed to the possibility of cuts, burns, sprains and more serious injury due to working in, on and around moving trains.

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• One year trial/probationary period may be required.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
• This is a Logistics Career Field position.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
• Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations.
• A recruitment incentive may be authorized.
• Salary negotiations based on the Superior Qualifications and Special Needs Pay-Setting Authority may be authorized for those candidates who are new to Federal service.