Switching Specialist

Recognized as one of Crain's "Best Places to Work in Chicago" as well as a 2023 "Great Places to Work" by the Great Place To Work Institute Inc., Sasser prides itself on supporting an employee-driven, opportunity-based culture that empowers, recognizes, and rewards its employees. From highly competitive benefits to exciting employee events to organic, grassroots philanthropy and volunteerism, Sasser is an awesome place to begin and grow your career. We are a fourth-generation, family-held transportation asset services and management company with roots dating to 1928. Sasser's six subsidiary units are leaders in providing commercial- and industrial-focused rail, automotive, containerized shipping, and aviation transportation equipment solutions including asset leasing, fleet administration management, asset repair and maintenance, and innovative technology services.

Sasser Family Companies includes subsidiaries Chicago Freight Car, Union Leasing, CF Rail Services, Express 4x4 Truck Rental, Xced Aviation Services, and Falcon Lease. To learn more about what makes Sasser special, visit www.sasser.com.

Our rail industry roots began in 1928 when Fred H. Sasser founded Central West Refrigerator Despatch (CRDX). The following year, the Great Depression plunged the global economy into chaos. But Mr. Sasser persevered, taking the necessary steps to enhance his business and keeping his commitment to treating customers as partners. More than 90 years later, his spirit continues to guide our approach. When you entrust CF Rail Services to repair and service your railcars, our team's commitment is to return them in better condition than when they came to us.

What We Offer

In Sasser's employee-driven, opportunity-based culture, our employees help chart the course for our success. That is the reason that we believe that the most important investment we'll ever make in our business is you. Sasser employees enjoy a competitive benefits program that:

• Covers over 85% of your medical premiums
• Includes a 100% Company-paid disability and life insurance plans
• Includes a 401K plan with company match PLUS additional end-of-year funding
• Provides paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents, as well as a monetary gift towards a 529 education account
• Provides training and tuition reimbursement
• Provides community service opportunities, employee recognition programs, and lots and lots of celebrations!

As a Switching Specialist Here's What You'll Do:

• Learn and adhere to all CFRS safety procedures.
• Learn the basic flow and logistics of railroad industry and repair business.
• Successfully complete the CFRS switching training/safety policy program.
• Keep work area in a clean and orderly manner so as to comply with CFRS, OSHA and environmental rules and regulations.
• Responsible for following written and verbal directions, while effectively working in a team environment.
• Responsible for the safe and efficient movement of rolling stock.
• Create written reports of all cars handled to and from railroad, indicating car, condition, proper identification of cars and time received.
• Couple and uncouple rolling stock, throw switches, set and release hand brakes, and lace railcar brake connections. Facilitate and comply with proper air brake charging technique. Signal locomotive / track mobile operator for switching and spotting of cars throughout facility in accordance with instructions from supervision.
• Coordinate with shop leads or supervisors to spot cars in work departments.
• Identify rail non-conformities and report and/or repair. Perform minor repairs such as tightening rail spikes and adjusting switches.
• Understand and follow site specific American Association Railroad - Federal Railroad Association (AAR-FRA) rules.
• Maintain and update logbooks and time sheets daily.
• Perform basic locomotive/ track mobile and track maintenance and assist with daily maintenance inspection of equipment. Perform fueling and lubrication of equipment as necessary.
• Set up and operate various hand and power tools.
• Follow work instructions and work within a self-directed work team.
• Make use of proper switching commands and language.
• Know facility layout to service as a locomotive / track mobile operator and switchman depending on facility demand.
• Operate locomotive and switch mobile to move, switch and spot rolling stock.
• Daily verification of locomotive/ track mobile to ensure engine is in safe operating condition. Completion of daily locomotive/track mobile inspection sheet is required.
• Receive, interpret and act in accordance with Switch Technician signalling (hand and/or radio).
• Operate locomotive in congested areas where a high degree of attention and care is required to prevent accidents and/or facility damage.
• Perform re-railing of cars that derail within the plant due to yard-rail or railcar defective conditions.
• Successfully complete this positions "Education/Formal Training" requirements.
• Wear PPE in appropriate areas.

Here's What it Will Take to be Successful in This Role:

• High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred, but not required.
• Successfully pass the following courses with an 80% or higher score coordinated by CF Rail Management:
  
  
  
  • FRA Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards and Locomotive Inspection
  • Basic Principles of Track Maintenance
  
  
  
  

Physical Demands

Work assignments involve standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing, crawling, and crouching in strained and awkward positions for prolonged periods of time at various heights up to 20 feet. Uses hands, legs, and arms to climb vertical ladders to staging or suspended platforms. Lifts, carries, and sets up equipment and components that weigh up to 50 lbs. Employee must be medically certified to wear a respirator, as well as be able to wear respirators for prolonged periods of time.

Working Conditions

• Work will be performed outdoors and indoors, on and around heavy equipment.
• May be required to work overtime and/or varied shifts to meet the demands of the business

The Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.