Freight Conductor - Greenwood, SC

CSX • Greenwood, SC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

A Freight Conductor safely coordinates train crews on freight trains, places rail cars for loading and unloading, and makes up and breaks down trains in rail yards, customer facilities, and similar locations. The role requires compliance with railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration regulations, signals, and train orders, along with the ability to safely perform all job responsibilities.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Training combines classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. Trainees must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests to remain in the program. CSX provides a hotel room for the training period, a $20 daily meal allowance, and reimbursement of specified roundtrip mileage at the IRS rate. On-the-job training begins immediately after successful completion of training.

The position requires living within or being willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Hiring is contingent on passing a drug test, medical examination, and background check. The role is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required. New hires may be placed in a hiring pipeline depending on business needs.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have one year of related experience.
• Have a high school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Be able to read and comprehend operating instructions, rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and other written communications.
• Have proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Work safely to prevent workplace accidents and injuries.
• Wear CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Be available for a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shifts; new hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be able to report to work safely within two hours of notification.
• Be able to travel and remain away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer when required.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Pass required assessments and drug and/or alcohol testing, including federally required random testing.
• Meet the role's physical requirements, including mounting and dismounting moving equipment; bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, balancing, and climbing; working in confined or awkward places; riding outside rail equipment for extended periods; walking long distances over uneven terrain; meeting auditory, visual, color-vision, and hearing requirements; and frequently lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Pass a drug test, medical examination, and background check.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Maintain the required 85% passing rate on training quizzes and tests.
• Join the collective bargaining agreement membership.

Nice To Haves

• One or more years of outside work experience, such as construction, heavy equipment operations, or farming; experience may be professional, personal, or volunteer.
• Experience working in a safety-sensitive environment.
• A valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Comply with railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration regulations, railroad signals, and train orders.
• Safely perform all job responsibilities.
• Inspect equipment on rail cars before departure.
• Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone.
• Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists.
• Assist with coupling and uncoupling cars, operate switches, and make minor railcar repairs, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses.
• Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars and provide excellent customer service.
• Remain aware of the surrounding area and suspicious activity to support rail safety.
• Operate locomotive equipment using a remote-control device.
• Comprehend color and hand signals and related systems.
• Review instructions from yardmasters, dispatchers, and other transportation employees, and discuss them with the locomotive engineer.
• Complete other activities and responsibilities as assigned by the manager.
• Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations.
• Cover outlying locations based on seniority.
• Advance to an engineer position when required, based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses of at least $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, subject to the applicable direct hire agreement; the CSRA bonuses are deferred to a 401(k).
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel accommodation for the four-week training period.
• $20 per day meal allowance during training.
• Reimbursement at the IRS rate for roundtrip mileage between the hiring location and Atlanta, and mileage between the training center and hotel.
• Guaranteed extra-board pay after on-the-job training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED