Freight Conductor

Responsibilities
Primary Activities and Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with all railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, railroad 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 using 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

NMAD:

Projected first year earnings: $97,185
Training rate while in Atlanta: $2,457.56 bi-weekly
On-the-job (OJT) training Rate: $2,949.06 bi-weekly
After OJT, guaranteed extra-board pay of $2,430.52 bi-weekly
The average earnings for new hire conductors in 2023 was $97,185 but could potentially be more with overtime opportunities.

Qualifications
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
Valid Driver’s Licence
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 limit 
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 here
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 for extended periods of time during shifts
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)