James Johnston
Elburn,IL
Summary
Safety-focused conductor with a record of ensuring compliance and on-time train operations. Conducts equipment inspections and supports corrective actions to reduce delays. Manages crew efficiency to maintain consistent service delivery.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Conductor
Metra
Elburn, Illinois
03.2025 - Current
- Operated commuter trains safely along designated routes while enforcing safety regulations.
- Conducted pre-trip inspections to verify equipment safety and functionality.
- Monitored train schedules to achieve timely departures and maintain effective service.
- Communicated with dispatchers about track conditions, delays, and operational matters.
- Directed crew members using flag signals and radio communications for operational efficiency.
- Prepared detailed reports on delays, accidents, and incidents to enhance operational responses.
- Trained new conductors on operational procedures and safety protocols to ensure compliance and safety.
- Assisted passengers with boarding while providing essential travel information.
Conductor
Union Pacific
Elburn, Illinois
03.2004 - 03.2025
- Operated commuter trains safely and efficiently across designated routes.
- Coordinated with dispatch to ensure timely departures and arrivals.
- Monitored train systems and responded to operational issues promptly.
- Completed assigned tasks with attention to detail and adherence to guidelines.
Locomotive Foreman
Union Pacific
Chicago, Illinois
03.2002 - 03.2004
- Supervised daily operations to ensure safety compliance among crew members.
- Trained new employees on equipment use and safety protocols in the field.
- Managed equipment maintenance and inspections for operational readiness.
- Implemented best practices to optimize crew performance and operational procedures.
- Coordinated project schedules and assigned tasks to streamline workflow.
- Monitored job progress to ensure on-time completion within budget.
- Conducted site inspections to verify adherence to quality standards and regulations.
- Provided guidance and technical assistance to crew members during project execution.
Locomotive Electrician & Foreman
Union Pacific
Melrose Park, Illinois
12.1993 - 03.2002
- Diagnosed electrical issues in locomotives using specialized diagnostic tools.
- Repaired and replaced faulty electrical components in locomotives efficiently.
- Conducted routine inspections of locomotive electrical systems for safety compliance.
- Trained junior electricians on best practices for electrical maintenance procedures.
- Adhered to safety protocols while working on high-voltage systems in locomotives.
- Troubleshot complex electrical problems to ensure smooth locomotive operations.
- Installed wiring, cables, switches, and other components of the electrical system on locomotives.
- Inspected and tested locomotive electrical systems to identify malfunctions and make repairs.
- Performed preventive maintenance on locomotive electrical systems including cleaning contacts and lubricating moving parts.
- Conducted tests to measure voltage output from alternator on diesel-electric engines.
- Tested battery charging systems for proper functioning and safety compliance.
- Adhered to strict safety protocols when working on high-voltage circuits within a live railcar environment.
- Traced circuitry faults using test equipment such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, ammeters.
- Repaired or replaced defective parts such as motors, relays, switches, circuit breakers, and fuses.
- Monitored performance of the locomotive's electric motor during operation to ensure peak efficiency.
- Verified that all newly installed components were compatible with existing hardware specifications.
- Replaced and adjusted valves, pistons, gears and bearings.
- Spliced wires with knives to solder connections for fixtures, outlets and equipment.
- Drilled holes for fixtures, outlet boxes and fuse holders with electric drills and routers.
- Coordinated crew activities to maintain project timelines and quality standards.
- Provided guidance, direction, and technical assistance to crew members.
- Communicated with employees to demonstrate high standards and mitigate issues.
- Reviewed project specifications for materials and equipment needed to verify job site materials and equipment.
- Supervised projects to uphold schedule requirements and quality demands.
- Planned and managed manpower and resource requirements to support project activities.
- Established expectations and motivated crews to consistently meet or beat goals.
- Trained new employees in safety regulations, operational procedures, and company policies.
- Monitored project progress to enforce adherence to deadlines and quality standards.
- Reported project progress, site problems and labor status to supervisors.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Created work crew schedules and delegated assignments.
- Conducted recruitment and hiring processes for new workers., in addition to supervising and monitoring daily performance.
Submarine Electrician
United States Navy
Pearl Harbor , HI
04.1987 - 10.1992
- Maintained and repaired electrical equipment, enhancing operational readiness for critical missions.
- Diagnosed faults using specialized testing equipment and techniques for optimal performance.
- Conducted inspections to identify electrical issues, recommending effective solutions that minimized downtime.
- Evaluated electrical systems and components to identify defects, resolving safety risks to ensure compliance with military standards.
- Adhered to military standards during wiring installations and circuit protections.
- Collaborated with engineering teams on upgrades and modifications of electrical systems.
- Trained junior electricians on safety protocols and proper tool usage.
Education
High School Diploma -
St Edward High School
Elgin, IL05-1984
Skills
- Safety regulations
- Train operations
- Equipment inspections
- Route planning
- Crew management
- Team coordination
- Passenger support
Timeline
Conductor
Metra
03.2025 - Current
Conductor
Union Pacific
03.2004 - 03.2025
Locomotive Foreman
Union Pacific
03.2002 - 03.2004
Locomotive Electrician & Foreman
Union Pacific
12.1993 - 03.2002
Submarine Electrician
United States Navy
04.1987 - 10.1992
High School Diploma -
St Edward High School