Freight Conductor

Job Summary

Please read entire posting before applying to this position.

A conductor's primary responsibility is to safely coordinate train crews on a freight train, place rail cars to facilitate loading and unloading, and makeup/breakdown trains in a rail yard, customer facility or similar locations. To see more of what a day-in-the-life video looks like, please see .

New hire conductors will be eligible to receive retention bonuses after the 1st and 2nd employment anniversary dates. The minimum amount to expect is $3000 after 1 year, and $2000 after year 2, but may be greater based on work location and is subject to the terms of the retention bonus.

Note: you must pass a drug test (hair follicle and urine), medical exam, and background check to be hired into this role.

Must live within or be willing to relocate within 75 miles of posted location. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.

Primary Activities and Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, signals, and train orders
• Be able to safely perform all job responsibilities
• Inspect all equipment on cars prior to departures
• Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone
• Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists
• Assist with the coupling and uncoupling of cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses
• Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars; delivers excellent customer service by identifying customer needs and meeting or exceeding expectations
• Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety
• Operate locomotive equipment through the use of remote control device
• Comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems
• Review instructions from yardmasters, dispatchers, and other transportation employees, and discuss with locomotive engineer
• Miscellaneous activities and responsibilities as assigned by manager

CSRA

Projected first year earnings: $93,000

• Training rate while in Atlanta $2,351.74 bi-weekly
• On-the-job (OJT) training Rate $2,822.06 bi-weekly
• After OJT, guaranteed extra-board pay of $2,379.26 bi-weekly
• The average earnings for new hire conductors in 2022 was $93,000, but could potentially be more with overtime opportunities

Training

You are expected to attend five weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center (ATC) in Atlanta, GA. Training includes a mixture of classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. New hires must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests to remain in training. Failure to maintain the 85% average will result in new hires being released from the program and their offer will be rescinded. CSX will provide a hotel room for the entire five weeks and lunch is provided on class days. New hires will receive $140 via direct deposit at the start of each week to cover other meals. Roundtrip mileage will be reimbursed at the IRS rate between hiring location and Atlanta, as well as mileage between the training center and hotel. On-the-job training begins immediately following the successful completion of training at the ATC.

Qualifications - External

Minimum Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older
• One year of related experience
• High School Diploma/GED
• Ability to read and comprehend all instructions including operating rules, bulletins, regulatory documents and other written communications
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more years of outside work experience, e.g. construction, heavy equipment operations, farming, etc.(can be professional, personal, or volunteer experience)
• Experience working in a safety sensitive environment

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to mount and dismount moving equipment
• Stoop/bend/kneel/crouch/crawl/balance/climb
• Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places
• Ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods of time
• Walk long distances over uneven terrain
• Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection
• Must meet color vision and hearing requirements as described in FRA Regulations
• Frequent lifting up to 80 pounds

Basic Competencies

• Verbal comprehension (Understand oral and written communications)
• Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions)
• Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting skills)

Job Requirements

• Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
• Must wear CSX approved protective equipment such as high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection
• Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work
• Work hours are based on seniority, new hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must be able to safely report to work within two hours of being notified to report
• May be required to travel and be away from home terminal for 24 hours or longer
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations
• Federal regulations require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol
• Must pass all required assessments
• Strict disciplinary policy regarding inability to report to work within proper time frame
• Advance to engineer position when required, based on seniority
• This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement and membership is required
• Cover outlying locations based on seniority
• Information about benefits can be found