Railroaders place to shoot the shit.

Positions that need to be filled are qualified railroad engineers, railroad conductors, car men and track laborers.

"We need people," said Scott Thompson, human resource manager for Ohio Central.

Now part of a publicly traded company, Thompson said how potential employees are sought has changed, and as a result, a job fair will be conducted Wednesday at Coshocton Village Inn & Suites.

"It's due to an increase in business and a recovery from the recession," Thompson said. "We've seen an increase in demands from our customers, which is driving the need for additional people."

Overall, Genessee & Wyoming Inc., which bought Ohio Central in 2008, reported June 2010 traffic was up 15.4 percent more than June 2009, according to the company's website. Traffic was up 16.8 percent for the second quarter of 2010 compared to 2009.

The increases have been in steel shipments and coal shipments in Genesee & Wyoming's New York/Ohio/Pennsylvania region, as well as increase in grain shipments in Australia.

Conductors are responsible for adding and uncoupling cars, Thompson said, as well where the train is going and when.

Qualified engineers can be trained at a school or work their way up from conductor.

The track laborers are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the tracks, and car men are individuals who help maintain the rail cars, Thompson said.

Anyone interested in one of those positions can to submit a resume online at the Genesee & Wyoming Inc. website, www.gwrr.com/jobs, prior to Wednesday's job fair.

About 18 people were laid off early in 2009, but those positions have been refilled, Thompson said. There are about 150 employees at Ohio Central.

"It's a pretty positive thing," said Carol Remington, executive director of the Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce. "Not only are people being called back to work, but companies are hiring. It's a positive sign and an indication that the economy is picking up."

(This item appeared in the Times Recorder July 20, 2010.)