This is where to talk about the Signalman Position discussion.
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Signalman Position Discussion
(93 posts) (27 voices)-
Posted 1 year ago #
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There might be some electrical type test.. Not sure on that though..
Posted 1 year ago # -
If your already hired try calling HR... if you don't get an answer here that is..
Posted 11 months ago # -
You should apply because they will give you some test to weed the people out who don't have the basic knowledge needed.
Posted 10 months ago # -
let us know what happens.
Posted 10 months ago # -
mista
MemberI attended a hiring session in Lufkin, TX in mid-May for asst Signal and Bagged the interview that had 4 positions and had 29 people in attendance. I got the call same day and was told to go online and fill out the new hire packet(for the "contigent offer" of course.
Took the physical, which had hardly any PHYSICAL tests, two days later after recieving a call and setting up the appt. and the waiting until my status change to "Released to Start".
This status change came 4-5 days later and I was instructed to wait for a phone call with the info as to when I would report for the first day of training.
After nearly two weeks of waiting, I was called and told that I need to report to the training site for the first day of the classroom training.
This date is two days from now, Monday, and I was instructed to dress ready for work and bring writing utencils and paper with me. At that time I would given info about my assigned work crew and any additional infomation that wasn't cover at the initial hiring session. I was told this training would last at this particular location for the Mon-Fri week. i am not sure what to expect afterwards.
Hope this helpsPosted 10 months ago # -
Good job mista!
Posted 10 months ago # -
atwitsend
MemberI went to the testing session and I feel I really aced the tests. I really like the sound of this job. As a friend told me one, there much more to railroading than riding trains. I have one question. They gave up folders and I put my name on the top middle instead of to the left. Do you think that will screw me or I'm just worrying too much? Thanks
Posted 10 months ago # -
Steve
MemberThe training/interview session I went to for a Signal position was pretty laid back. Since there weren't 200+ applicants, they weren't too concerned about "thinning the herd" so to speak. I think you're fine, but I don't have a lot of experience and I suppose it just depends on the railroad and who was running the testing.
On another topic, I also found out that BNSF has gotten rid of their 2 1/2 year apprentice program for the Signal department. Instead of alternating 4 work weeks and 2 class weeks for that whole time, they send you out to Kansas for 6 (possibly 7) weeks for fulltime training (I imagine it is very similar to tech school for those that have been in the military). If you make it through that training, you come back and immediately start earning the full Signalman wage ($25.10 for BNSF).
Then after a year on the job (again, this is at BNSF so it might be different at other railroads), you are eligible to take the FLS (Front Line Supervisor) test that will allow you to apply for any management type jobs in the signal field. All in all, it sounds like a pretty good deal.
Posted 10 months ago # -
Good luck!
Posted 10 months ago # -
atwitsend
MemberWell I didn't make it but its a complicated story. I leave that alone. Anyway I started a Basic electronics course now at a local college. Will this definitely out me over the top for a signalman job in the future? I'd really like to get a signalman job with NJ Transit. I may take the Electronics technician course after this, unless you guys tell me that is overkill? Thanks for the help.
Posted 9 months ago # -
Those classes will help of course.
Posted 9 months ago # -
atwitsend
MemberSean, thanks for the reply. 3 questions, should I wait till I fully finish the first course "Basic electronics" before applying, meaning can I apply half way through the first course or wait till I finish with a "Basic electronics" diploma first? Also should I wait to finish both courses "Basic electronics" and "Electronics technician" before applying? Thanks for the help.
Posted 9 months ago # -
i would wait until your about 1/2 thru first course so that by the time you get an interview you will be graduated.. I would also put down that you are currently in the class.
Posted 9 months ago # -
atwitsend
MemberThanks pacgrewes, I will. I LOVE this Basic electronics course. I'm learning Ohms law and calculating resistance in circuit schematics now and its sooooo interesting. This is almost an awakening, I love this stuff. I could DEFINITELY make a career out of it, RR or outside RR. I'd REALLY want to be a signal/communications maintainer for NJ Transit. Thanks again for the advice and words of encouragement, pacgrewes. I appreciate.
Posted 9 months ago # -
That is all good info for your resume and next interview as well!
Posted 9 months ago # -
atwitsend
MemberThanks Sean, I finally feel like I'm doing something specific[education] to get a RR job. This job is better than conductor, for me personally. Better hours, schedule and great money. I cannot wait to apply with my new resume, with a diploma, with specific training for signal maintainer.
Posted 9 months ago # -
yeah it is a good job!
Posted 9 months ago #
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