Freight Conductor - Bronx, NY

CSX Transportation • New York, NY

7h

About The Position

The Freight Conductor safely coordinates train crews on freight trains, positions rail cars for loading and unloading, and makes up and breaks down trains in rail yards, customer facilities, and similar locations. The role involves following railroad safety rules and regulations, inspecting rail equipment, communicating by radio and telephone, operating switches and locomotive equipment using a remote-control device, and coordinating with customers and transportation employees.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center, followed by on-the-job training. Training combines classroom and computer-based instruction, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. Trainees must maintain an 85% average on quizzes and tests to remain in the program. CSX provides a hotel for the training period, a $20 daily meal allowance, and mileage reimbursement under the stated conditions. After qualification, new hires are primarily on-call and may work nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and nonstandard shifts. They must be able to report within two hours of notification, may travel and be away from their home terminal for 24 hours or longer, and must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location. Relocation assistance is not offered.

Projected first-year earnings listed for NMAD are $97,185, with training, on-the-job training, and guaranteed extra-board weekly pay rates specified in the posting. Additional retention or NMAD bonuses are described, subject to the applicable terms. Employment requires passing drug testing, a medical exam, background check, and required assessments. The position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, with membership required.

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.
• Pass a drug test, medical exam, background check, and all required assessments.
• Maintain an 85% passing average on training quizzes and tests.
• 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 report to work within two hours of being notified.
• Be willing and able to work nonstandard weeks, overtime, various shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays, according to business needs and seniority.
• Be willing to travel and be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer when required.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing under federal regulations.
• Meet FRA color vision and hearing requirements.
• Be able to safely mount and dismount moving equipment; stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, and climb; work in cramped or awkward spaces; ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods; walk long distances over uneven terrain; demonstrate auditory and visual acuity for tracking and inspection; and frequently lift up to 80 pounds.
• Have verbal comprehension, communication, reasoning, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Accept that the position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement and membership is required.

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.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with railroad and safety rules, FRA regulations, railroad signals, and train orders.
• Safely perform all job responsibilities.
• 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 customer service that meets or exceeds expectations.
• Remain aware 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 after the first and second year of service, subject to applicable terms.
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel accommodation during 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 reimbursement between the training center and hotel.
• Guaranteed extra-board pay after on-the-job training, as specified for NMAD.
• Overtime opportunities may increase earnings.

What This Job Offers

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