Signal & Communications Assistant Position

Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company provides freight transportation service for many companies in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. W&LE handles over 135,000 carloads per year. The company is private, 100% internally owned, and currently has over 430 employees. W&LE is the largest Ohio-based railroad and is among the largest regional railroads in the country. The company has over 120 customers and a continually growing customer base. W&LE interchanges in numerous locations with three major Class I Railroads (Canadian National, CSX Transportation, and Norfolk Southern), as well as 14 regional and shortline railroads.

We are seeking a dedicated individual to train as Signal & Communication Assistant.

Duties/Responsibilities

Specific functions of the Signal & Communication Assistant include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist in inspecting, testing, adjusting, repairing and replacing electronic and electrical components of signal systems, equipment, and devices
• Participation in signal and communication training under the direction of an employee in a higher seniority class
• Employees must be able to work at various heights
• Various hours and weekend work
• Other duties as assigned
• Employees must attend and successfully complete the Signalmen’s training course within two years of date of hire or transfer into the Signal department. Failure to do so will result in dismissal and loss of any and all seniority.
• Must obtain a Class A CDL within 120 days from hire date
• Acceptable driving record for insurance coverage is required

Working Conditions

• Work safely at all times in compliance with all safety and operating rules
• Outdoor work is required, regardless of weather conditions for many hours at a time
• Walk on uneven and irregular surfaces for long distances
• Able to lift and carry objects weighing 50 lbs to 100 lbs

Compensation

• Earn up to $28.47 through a combination of hourly compensation, a $100 supplement paid weekly, and profit-sharing eligibility after 90 days of fulltime employment.*

**Calculation is based on a 40 hour work week

Training

• Successful Candidate will participate in a two-year training program
• Classroom training
• Company paid on-the-job training
• Upon completion, the employee will assume the position of Signal and Communication Technician or Signal System Technician

Shift/Hours

• Full-time (40 hrs/wk)
• Position may require overtime work, many times with little or no notice
• Employees may be required to work on scheduled rest days
• Employees may have to work weekdays, weekends and holidays
• The railroad operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Situations will occur after hours where employees will be required to promptly report for work when notified

Travel

• Travel is required. Our employees must be willing and able to work any hours at any location on the railroad in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania
• Successful candidate may have to relocate at own expense

Probationary Period

• 120 days

Union

• Brotherhood of Railroad Signalman
• Dues required per collective bargaining agreement

Commercial Driver’s License

• Employees are required to secure the appropriate Commercial Driver’s License within 120 days of hire date

Education

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required

Benefits

• Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company provides a comprehensive benefit package including excellent medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, railroad retirement, 401(k) plan, profit sharing, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid personal leave, and college scholarships for dependents.

Drug Free Workplace:

• W&LE is a drug-free workplace and maintains a zero tolerance policy
• Employees are subject to pre-employment and frequent drug and alcohol testing
• A DUI or OVI conviction within the last three years will disqualify you from consideration for this position
• All positions require pre-employment background verification, physical, and drug/alcohol screen