Freight Conductor - Augusta, GA

CSX • Augusta, GA

4d • 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 includes complying with railroad safety rules and regulations, inspecting rail equipment, communicating with railroad personnel and customers, and operating locomotive equipment with a remote-control device. Conductors must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of Augusta, GA; relocation assistance is not offered.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center in Atlanta, GA, followed immediately by on-the-job training after successful completion. Training includes classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. Trainees must maintain an 85% passing average on quizzes and tests or their offer may be rescinded. CSX provides a hotel for the training period, a $20 daily meal allowance, and mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate for specified travel.

The position requires working outdoors in varying weather and may involve on-call work, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, nonstandard workweeks, and shift work. New hires primarily work on-call, with hours based on seniority, and must be able to report within two hours of notification. Travel away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer may be required. The role is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required. Applicants must pass drug testing, a medical exam, and a background check; federal regulations also require random drug and alcohol testing. New hire conductors may receive retention bonuses deferred to a 401(k): at least $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, subject to applicable terms and potentially varying by location. The posting lists projected first-year earnings of $97,185, with potential for additional earnings through overtime.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have one year of related experience.
• Have a high school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Be able to read and comprehend operating rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and other written communications.
• Have proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries.
• Wear CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Be able to work a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shifts; new hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be able to safely report to work within two hours of notification.
• Be able to travel and be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer if required.
• Be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Pass required assessments, drug testing, a medical exam, and a background check; federal regulations require random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Meet FRA color-vision and hearing requirements.
• Meet the physical requirements, including mounting and dismounting moving equipment; stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, balancing, and climbing; working in cramped or awkward spaces; riding outside rail equipment for extended periods; walking long distances over uneven terrain; demonstrating auditory and visual acuity, tracking, and inspection ability; and frequently lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of Augusta, GA; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Be a member of the collective bargaining agreement.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with railroad and safety rules, FRA regulations, railroad signals, and train orders.
• Safely perform all job responsibilities and inspect equipment on rail cars before departures.
• 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 by identifying and meeting or exceeding customer needs.
• Maintain awareness of the surrounding area and suspicious activity to help ensure rail safety.
• Operate locomotive equipment using a remote-control device.
• Comprehend color and/or hand signals and 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.
• Advance to an engineer position when required, based on seniority.
• Cover outlying locations based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses deferred to a 401(k): at least $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, subject to applicable terms and potentially varying by work location.
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel room provided for the four-week training period.
• $20 per day meal allowance during training.
• Roundtrip mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate between the hiring location and Atlanta, and mileage between the training center and hotel.
• Information about additional benefits is available via a link in the posting.

What This Job Offers

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