Conductor Trainee

As an essential member of the train crew, Conductors are responsible to safely coordinate train crews on a freight train, switch rail cars to facilitate loading and unloading, and make or split up trains in yards or customer facilities. Conductors may also travel to various locations with the train to ensure the safe arrival of the crew and cargo to its destination.

At The Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS), Conductor Trainees are responsible for attending six weeks of paid on-the-job training at our state-of-the-art training facility in Shreveport, LA. While there, Conductor Trainees will learn about the equipment they will be operating and how to perform air brake test and train inspections, switch cars, align switches and derails, set and release handbrakes, give hand and radio signals, mount and dismount cars and locomotives, and how to interpret various forms of communication. Trainees will then be required to complete on-the-job training at their home location weeks 6 or 7 forward.

After training, there will be a 60-day probationary period monitoring Trainees’ capabilities in: 

• Safety procedures while working in KCS yards and customer properties
• Inspection of tracks and equipment (such as hoses and brakes), and other points of failures
• Understanding Federal Railroad Administration regulations and railroad rules.
• Ability to effectively communicate via written, phone, radio, and hand signals
• Working safely in a variety of conditions
• Performing rail car setouts and pickups at rail yards and customer facilities.
• Building relationships with customers and delivering excellent customer service.

Once the 60-day probationary period is completed, Conductors are assigned to an Extra Board 

• Work shifts will be irregular and when called, Conductors are required to report for duty within 90 – 120 minutes day or night
• With seniority, Conductors are able to bid on more desirable jobs.

Conductors at Kansas City Southern can expect: 

• To work independently in hazardous environments around loud machinery
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Work odd hours including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Travel extensively with possible overnight stays required
• Wear protective equipment including hearing protection, safety-toe boots, and safety glasses
• Maintain Union Membership; all Conductors are required to join the union after completing the probationary period. Union membership dues will be automatically deducted from payroll.
• Rates of Pay: Training pay and regular pay vary based on the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• A comprehensive benefits package as well as Railroad Retirement benefits.

Position requirements: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Valid state-issued driver’s license
• Must be 18 years of age
• Must have requisite color vision and hearing acuity
• Conductor Certification (or will obtain with employment at KCS)

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Outside work experience, preferably with railroads
• Experience working on an on-call basis
• Experience working varying shift schedules
• Experience operating heavy equipment

Physical Requirements: 

• Medium to heavy work, lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 83 pounds on a rare basis
• Stoop/bend/kneel/crouch/crawl/balance/climb
• Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places
• Ride on the outside of rail equipment for long periods of time
• Walk long distances over uneven terrain
• Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection

EEO Statement:  

We value a culturally diverse workforce and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.

Company Overview:  

In 1887, Arthur Stilwell constructed a north-south railroad while others were heading east and west, setting the tone for a century-old legacy of outstanding vision; entrepreneurial spirit; resilience in the face of adversity; and, willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. Building on that legacy, our culture is further defined by a new vision for the future and a core set of values - Safety, Customer Focus, Communication, Teamwork, Initiative & Innovation, and Diversity & Civility. We believe that the way we do business is as important as the business we do.

In addition to a culture that allows employees to thrive, we encourage resourcefulness with an award, recognizing employees who see a problem (or opportunity), find a solution, and use whatever authority and resources are available to get a job done well - accomplishing what was previously thought could not be done.

If you want to do work that is creative and strategic, be heard, grow professionally, be valued by your employer, and know that you are making an important contribution to an essential industry, a global supply chain, and the larger economy, Kansas City Southern may be the place for you.