Job Description

Train Conductor

Conductors are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. This includes building trains by coupling railcars, delivering railcars to customers, transporting trains across long distances, and managing electronic documentation and inspections. You'll be trained to troubleshoot train issues, report incidents, and ensure compliance with safety procedures.

No prior railroad experience is requiredwe provide all the training you need to succeed.

This is a seniority-based job. You'll start out on the extra board, filling in where needed, until you build enough seniority to bid on a regular assignment. You must be available to work on-call, 24/7, with as little as 90 minutes' notice. Expect to spend 2-3 days away from home weekly. You will be required to join a union within 60 days after completing training.

On the job training lasts about 20 weeks, depending on the complexity of your assigned location, this training can go beyond 20 weeks. Training includes classroom instruction, field training, and on-the-job experience. The first 5 weeks take place at the Norfolk Southern Training Center in McDonough, GA. During this time, the company provides hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement from your hire location. The remaining weeks of training will be completed at your assigned location. To successfully complete the program and earn your promotion and certification, you must pass all classroom, field, and on-the-job requirements. This includes written exams and field evaluations covering physical characteristics, operating rules, safety, hazmat, and signal rules.

Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment for safe operation. Operate remote control locomotives and perform tasks such as coupling, aligning drawbars, applying hand brakes, and riding railcars. Communicate effectively with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers. Maintain accurate documentation and comply with all FRA and company safety regulations. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Must be 18 years or older. Must hold a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation. Ability to report to work within 90 minutes. Clean driving record in the past 36 months, without any suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of your driver's license resulting from a drug or alcohol-related incident. Must not have been involved in diversion or probation or pleaded guilty to a drug or alcohol-related driving incident. Must not have refused to undergo a drug or alcohol test related to the operation of a motor vehicle. Must pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) drug and alcohol screening. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Conductor Trainees earn a minimum of $240 per shift during on-the-job training, with overtime at $30/hour. First-year conductors average $70,000 annually; experienced conductors average $84,000. Locomotive engineers earn a guaranteed minimum of $94,000, with potential to exceed $100,000. Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents begins the second calendar month of employment. After one year: dental, life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility. Covered under Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes. $5,000.00 Retention Bonus (Effective 7/1/2026) $1,000 (upon completion of on-the-job training) $1,500 (6 months after completion of on-the-job training) $2,500 (12 months after completion of on-the-job training) Vacation Eligibility Years of Service / Weeks of Vacation * Two (2) or more years - 2 Weeks Six (6) or more years - 3 Weeks Fifteen (15) or more years - 4 Weeks Twenty-three (23) - 5 Weeks

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