Freight Conductor - Waycross, GA

CSX Transportation • Waycross, GA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Freight Conductor safely coordinates train crews on freight trains, places rail cars for loading and unloading, and makes up or breaks down trains in rail yards, customer facilities, and similar locations. The role involves working with locomotive engineers, yardmasters, dispatchers, customers, and other transportation employees to ensure safe and accurate movement of rail cars.

The position requires four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center in Atlanta, Georgia, followed immediately by on-the-job training. Training includes 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 for the four-week training period, a $20 daily meal allowance, and reimbursement for eligible mileage. New hire conductors may receive retention bonuses after their first and second years of service, deferred to a 401(k), subject to the applicable agreement.

The position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement and requires membership. Employees must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Work may involve on-call assignments, nonstandard hours, overtime, nights, weekends, holidays, outdoor work in varying weather, and travel away from the home terminal. New hires must be able to report within two hours of notification and may be required to advance to an engineer position based on seniority.

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 report to work within two hours of being notified.
• Pass required assessments and the stated drug test, medical exam, and background check; comply with random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• 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 places; ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods; and walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity, tracking, and inspection abilities.
• Frequently lift up to 80 pounds.
• Be willing to work a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shifts, including on-call work, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be willing to travel and be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer, cover outlying locations based on seniority, and advance to an engineer position when required based on seniority.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location.
• Maintain an 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; professional, personal, or volunteer experience may qualify.
• 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.
• Maintain awareness of the surrounding area and suspicious activity to support 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.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses of at least $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, deferred to a 401(k), subject to applicable terms.
• 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.
• Guaranteed extra-board pay after on-the-job training, as described in the posting.

What This Job Offers

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