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:lol:FormerOBS
Conductor
You think I behaved? You weren't watching!
tom
tom
TheTuck
Train Attendant
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2009
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The railroad wants employees who can stay focused amidst a sometimes stressful, tiring and thankless job environment. All new employees are trained from scratch, so what you knew about trains before doesn't impress anyone. As was said earlier, it can be perceived as arrogance. It can also hinder your ability to learn something new that might help you someday. Amtrak wants conductors that will provide good customer service while staying focused on whats happening on the railroad.
As someone who's a bit short of 21, with not a whole lot of previous work experience, though I do have a good bit of college, I'm applying to be a Customer Service Representative at Amtrak. I do plan to stick with this for a year or two, until I turn 21 in a year and change. If I am hired for this position, will it help me when and if I apply to be an Assistant Conductor over jobs in other fields?
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Any internal job will be immensely helpful, though anything customer facing is probably best.
If hired as CSR and looking to change crafts, for ex. to train service, they will look at your attendance record (including willingness to work OT and days off), your disciplinary record, and it will help if your manager's like you and are willing to help push for you...
O
OBSLA
Guest
I am an OBS-crew member based in L.A. Will my 2 years on the job with Amtrak help me as an A/C? I am scheduled to be in Delaware starting in March - if all goes well. Can anyone give any advice? -OBSLA
Study hard, learn the signals and rules, good luck, your experience on Amtrak gives you a leg up since you know how Passenger Trains operate!
Which Crew Base are you hired for, if LA you are lucky???
Which Crew Base are you hired for, if LA you are lucky???
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O
OBSLA
Guest
You are correct - - it's L.A., and you are also correct in noting that I've kept my eyes and ears open to what the C and A/Cs do on board. I believe that at lease one of my fellow OBS will join me, so that's help as well; as far as studying together. So thank you for the advice. Side Note: I think that we'll start with Metrolink as they are all Amtrak employees anyway (engineers and conductors). Alicia 2230 layover in Austin now? Last year I did a 2230 San Antonio layover that shuttled me across town and put me up next to the University - lol. Very greatful and appreciative -OBSLA
The only crew that lays over in Austin now are the engineers. Up to a few years ago the Diner Crew layed over in Austin cause Amtrak didn't want to pay them for the ride to/from SAS. Now they all go to SAS and stay in the Staybridge Suites by the Station.
Sounds like you'll do fine,and its good to have a study partner during the training! And congrats on getting the LA Base, I don't know much about Metrolink but being on the extra board I'm sure you'll have an interesting time while you build Seniority.
I've always found most of the LA based Crews to be cool people, you know, California Dreamin'! Keep us posted!
Sounds like you'll do fine,and its good to have a study partner during the training! And congrats on getting the LA Base, I don't know much about Metrolink but being on the extra board I'm sure you'll have an interesting time while you build Seniority.
I've always found most of the LA based Crews to be cool people, you know, California Dreamin'! Keep us posted!
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OBSLA
Guest
I will keep you posted - for sure.
But, as it stands now, the Texas Eagle Sleeping attendant based out of L.A. currently lays-over in Austin for two days (as recent as last week); It changed from SAS about 4-9 months ago. Just FYI.
Again, thanks for all your help. -OBSLA
But, as it stands now, the Texas Eagle Sleeping attendant based out of L.A. currently lays-over in Austin for two days (as recent as last week); It changed from SAS about 4-9 months ago. Just FYI.
Again, thanks for all your help. -OBSLA
Thanks for the update on the SCA laying over in Austin! When I last rode #421 from TPL- LAX in Oct on the way to the Gathering, the LA Based SCAs for #421/#422 were still laying over in SAS
and the CHI-SAS SCAs for these sleepers also layed over in SAS.
and the CHI-SAS SCAs for these sleepers also layed over in SAS.
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O
OBSLA
Guest
JIMHUDSON-
You are absolutely correct; I remember that there was track-work being done north of SAS and pax were being bused up north. During that time the 2230 SCAs were staying in SAS. The work has been completed now.
I also remember that the powers-that-be MAYBE wanted the L.A. SCA to go up together with the CHI SCA; at least to Austin. Previously, the L.A. SCA would get off at 4:50 AM in SAS when the paxs were still sleeping, and while the switching was done. It then left northbound as the TE with the new CHI SCA at 6:30 AM (the paxs would wake up to a brand new SCA and wondered where the old one went). So now, the L.A. SCA gets off in Austin at 9:31 AM and the CHI SCA continues on all the way to CHI. I guess that's the customer service reason and/or theory.
-Regards, OBSLA
You are absolutely correct; I remember that there was track-work being done north of SAS and pax were being bused up north. During that time the 2230 SCAs were staying in SAS. The work has been completed now.
I also remember that the powers-that-be MAYBE wanted the L.A. SCA to go up together with the CHI SCA; at least to Austin. Previously, the L.A. SCA would get off at 4:50 AM in SAS when the paxs were still sleeping, and while the switching was done. It then left northbound as the TE with the new CHI SCA at 6:30 AM (the paxs would wake up to a brand new SCA and wondered where the old one went). So now, the L.A. SCA gets off in Austin at 9:31 AM and the CHI SCA continues on all the way to CHI. I guess that's the customer service reason and/or theory.
-Regards, OBSLA
S
Sean
Guest
Does anyone know what the current pay rate is once you "markup"?
M
Martina Draine
Guest
Applying for assistance conductors trainee training Is there a class in Wilmington DE
Yes there is. Once you successfully complete the application process consisting of some testing (both written and strength), interview, physical, drug and alcohol screening among other things and are chosen for the position you will be flown out to Wilmington for a 6-8 week class. This is where you will learn many of the fundamental skills and knowledge required for the job. After that you will be flown back and do on-the-job training at your respective crew base you applied to.
Next class starts June 1st with another starting July 27th. Oakland and Sacramento will have new hires there as well as from a few other locations around the country.
Best of luck if applying. The application process will generally take a few months depending on the hiring timeline.
Next class starts June 1st with another starting July 27th. Oakland and Sacramento will have new hires there as well as from a few other locations around the country.
Best of luck if applying. The application process will generally take a few months depending on the hiring timeline.
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Acela150
Super Buff
I don't know if Amtrak would fly you. But I would take a guess that they would reimburse you for milage traveled. When I went to Mcdonough for NS CT class they didn't care how you got there. We got reimbursed for Milage. Although with Amtrak being nation wide I could see them paying for you to fly from the west coast.
I know they do fly people over from the West Coast the Saturday (or Sunday) prior to the start of the class. That is a good point though as I'm not sure how they do it in the East.
Triley
Real Lead Service Attendant
If you're hiring out from a crew base on the corridor, they schedule you on a Regional and send you in.
Acela150
Super Buff
Triley, if one gets hired and lives close to Wilmington e.g. Philly, Baltimore, DC, etc. Does Amtrak get upset if folks go home over weekends if you get weekends off during training? At NS training my roommate lived in Atlanta and went home on the weekends and certain days after classes and they didn't care. Just curious.
Triley
Real Lead Service Attendant
I can't speak to T&E training, but my class of LSAs was sent to DC for training, and they encouraged us to head home for the weekend if we wanted, even though we kept the hotel room for the whole three and a half weeks. Heck, I left the country one weekend to visit my loved one. As long as any homework was completed and you did well in class, they didn't mind in the slightest. As a matter of fact, two Fridays they let us go early so we could catch the last non-peak Acela to Boston, so we could be home at a reasonable time (avoiding like a 4pm Regional), nor did we have to pay full fare (could use our ride pass and pay the discounted price).
Acela150
Super Buff
That's good to hear. Just curious what is the last off peak Acela? If it goes by AGR rules that would be 2166.
Triley
Real Lead Service Attendant
When we were in DC there was trackwork around Baltimore that was causing delays, so they moved back the Acela departures by 5 minutes, so I think one day we were able to make 2168. But the first week we were lucky enough to make 2166.
And yes, our pass rules for the Acela are the same as AGR redemptions. 9am-1:59pm, 6pm-end of service, and weekends.
And yes, our pass rules for the Acela are the same as AGR redemptions. 9am-1:59pm, 6pm-end of service, and weekends.
Hello,
I just recently applied for the passenger Conductor Assistant trainee position. It was listed for Philadelphia. I live in SNJ.I understand the training is 8 weeks in Wilmington, DE which happens to be my hometown and I can stay with family while training instead of a hotel. After I applied I did an online culture assessment. is there any wrong/right answers for that? How long after this will I/if I hear anything? months? I understand the process is long...what is involved in training? is it difficult? also if the position is listed Philadelphia, does that mean I'm stationed out of there? I'd like to be or even Wilmington, as I looking to relocate back to my hometown. if this is the case, what is the zone you travel for work? Or am I assigned anywhere in the US? also is there overnight travel? I know days can be 10 hours/12 hour days? I don't have children but have pets which is a concern. I have a lot of questions, but I'd appreciate any assistance on this. Thank you.
I just recently applied for the passenger Conductor Assistant trainee position. It was listed for Philadelphia. I live in SNJ.I understand the training is 8 weeks in Wilmington, DE which happens to be my hometown and I can stay with family while training instead of a hotel. After I applied I did an online culture assessment. is there any wrong/right answers for that? How long after this will I/if I hear anything? months? I understand the process is long...what is involved in training? is it difficult? also if the position is listed Philadelphia, does that mean I'm stationed out of there? I'd like to be or even Wilmington, as I looking to relocate back to my hometown. if this is the case, what is the zone you travel for work? Or am I assigned anywhere in the US? also is there overnight travel? I know days can be 10 hours/12 hour days? I don't have children but have pets which is a concern. I have a lot of questions, but I'd appreciate any assistance on this. Thank you.
I'd say my process was a few months from the initial application and offer. The Culture Fit assessment is just looking to see if you will be a good fit within the Amtrak culture (of safety). This test is relatively new as it is part of a new initial online assessment. As long as you have a mind for safety and a bit of common sense you should pass that just fine. After that there generally is a written testing session. Details and some sample questions along with a Realistic Job Preview will be sent to you. For mine, it was in a small group session at the crew base I applied to. They explain a bit about the position, pay, benefits, and expectations (basically extra board hours, nights away from home, the assigned day off isn't always guaranteed, etc...) Once you pass the test a "fit test" will be ordered at a local contracted facility. This basically tests your arm and leg strength. There is an example of the test on the Amtrak Careers website. Assuming a good result on that, next step generally will be an interview where you are asked a series of standardized questions. If you make it to that step you will also receive some sample things to look for to prepare. If you are selected they will then do a more detailed physical and drug screen. Assuming you make it pass all that you will receive your ticket to Wilmington for the 8 week (average) training course. This is a lot of classroom and practical application of that classroom training to familiarize you with working on the railroad. This will be your first experience of some of the actual physical and mental demands of the job. After that you will be sent back to your crew base for on the job training. You will be on probation working with another experienced conductor so this is really the time to perform and demonstrate what you have learned as well as clarify any concerns you have in terms of doing the job well. This is the real test as you will be assisting real passengers on a real revenue train. After a few months (generally 6+), if you do well and pass everything you will "mark up" and start the job as an Assistant Passenger Conductor at the regular starting rate of pay (up to this point you will still be at training wages). You will work the extra board and be required to report in within 2 hours of getting called in. You will have one day off a week but it is not guaranteed (all depends on if you work an outbound trip on the day before your day off... if so you are working your day off back although you still will receive some time off after that). Most likely you will not be home every night depending on what trips you are assigned. Many are outbound one day and return the next day.
You will be expected to take the Passenger Conductor test to "promote" to a Passenger Conductor within a year or so of hire. If you are unable to pass the training and tests to become a full fledged conductor within the acceptable amount of time and tries you will no longer be employed by Amtrak. As was said in my hiring class... "Amtrak no longer hires Assistant Passenger Conductors... we hire Passenger Conductor Trainees." It is the expectation (and requirement) that you promote to Conductor. Once you promote you are back to the bottom of the extra board.
With that said, you still may work Assistant Conductor Assignments... you will just be qualified to work as a Passenger Conductor as well and sign as being responsible for the train.
There are some exceptions to what is listed above but it is mainly to illustrate that it is not an easy process. There will be lots of training, many days away from home, some nights with little sleep (just the mandatory rest period), long working days, among other situations with passengers and operations as well as emergency situations. It isn't a job for just anyone, however those who I know find it very fulfilling and they enjoy what they do.
If you are working on the Northeast Corridor some elements are slightly different and the seniority can be a bit different as well so most likely you'd stay on routes near the Corridor area. I'm from the west though so I can't fully comment on that aspect of it.
Full Disclosure: The above is the process as I went through it and as it was explained to me as well. It may have changed and there may be parts that are not necessarily accurate anymore. I ultimately went through the hiring process, however having worked in the transportation industry before and now with a young one growing up I didn't want to miss more of those "moments" per say. In the end I chose a different position elsewhere that worked better for my personal situation at the time, however I was still glad I went through the process of the hiring as it made me really think if the position were for me. Maybe a few years back before family ties and settling down it would have been perfect... but it is something to think about as you mention you have pets. Just think about how the demands of the job would fit with your personal situation and go from there. As stated above, the hours and days will be irregular for your first few years. You will hear the expression you are "owned" by the railway... that was a common expression at the crew base I was looking at. But again, it can be a very rewarding position as well. Whatever you decide... best of luck!
You will be expected to take the Passenger Conductor test to "promote" to a Passenger Conductor within a year or so of hire. If you are unable to pass the training and tests to become a full fledged conductor within the acceptable amount of time and tries you will no longer be employed by Amtrak. As was said in my hiring class... "Amtrak no longer hires Assistant Passenger Conductors... we hire Passenger Conductor Trainees." It is the expectation (and requirement) that you promote to Conductor. Once you promote you are back to the bottom of the extra board.
With that said, you still may work Assistant Conductor Assignments... you will just be qualified to work as a Passenger Conductor as well and sign as being responsible for the train.
There are some exceptions to what is listed above but it is mainly to illustrate that it is not an easy process. There will be lots of training, many days away from home, some nights with little sleep (just the mandatory rest period), long working days, among other situations with passengers and operations as well as emergency situations. It isn't a job for just anyone, however those who I know find it very fulfilling and they enjoy what they do.
If you are working on the Northeast Corridor some elements are slightly different and the seniority can be a bit different as well so most likely you'd stay on routes near the Corridor area. I'm from the west though so I can't fully comment on that aspect of it.
Full Disclosure: The above is the process as I went through it and as it was explained to me as well. It may have changed and there may be parts that are not necessarily accurate anymore. I ultimately went through the hiring process, however having worked in the transportation industry before and now with a young one growing up I didn't want to miss more of those "moments" per say. In the end I chose a different position elsewhere that worked better for my personal situation at the time, however I was still glad I went through the process of the hiring as it made me really think if the position were for me. Maybe a few years back before family ties and settling down it would have been perfect... but it is something to think about as you mention you have pets. Just think about how the demands of the job would fit with your personal situation and go from there. As stated above, the hours and days will be irregular for your first few years. You will hear the expression you are "owned" by the railway... that was a common expression at the crew base I was looking at. But again, it can be a very rewarding position as well. Whatever you decide... best of luck!
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