Freight Conductor - Baltimore, MD

CSX • Baltimore, MD

2d • 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, or similar locations. The role requires compliance with railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration regulations, signals, and train orders. Conductors may operate locomotive equipment with a remote control device and work with customers to ensure cars are moved and placed accurately.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center in Atlanta, Georgia, followed immediately by on-the-job training after successful completion. Trainees must maintain an 85% average on quizzes and tests to remain in the program. CSX provides a hotel room for the four-week training period, a $20 daily meal allowance, and mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate for specified travel. The role may require travel and time away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer. Work hours may involve on-call assignments, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and varying shifts. New hires must be able to report to work within two hours of notification.

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 instructions, including operating rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and other written communications.
• Have proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Pass a drug test, medical exam, and background check.
• Live within, or be willing to relocate within, 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• 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 able to report to work safely within two hours of being notified.
• Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations.
• Pass all required assessments and comply with random drug and/or alcohol testing required by federal regulations.
• Meet the role's physical requirements, including mounting and dismounting moving equipment; stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, balancing, and climbing; working in cramped or awkward places; riding outside rail equipment for extended periods; walking long distances over uneven terrain; meeting visual, color-vision, and hearing requirements under FRA regulations; and frequently lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shifts; new hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be prepared for possible travel and being away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer.
• This 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

• Comply with railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration regulations, railroad signals, and train orders.
• Safely perform all job responsibilities.
• Inspect all equipment on 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 expectations.
• 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.

Benefits

• Retention bonus after the first year of service; the minimum stated amount is $3,000, with the actual amount potentially higher depending on work location and applicable direct-hire agreement terms.
• Retention bonus after the second year of service; the minimum stated amount is $2,000, with the actual amount potentially higher depending on work location and applicable direct-hire agreement terms.
• Paid training for four weeks at the Atlanta Training Center.
• Hotel room provided for the four-week training period.
• $20 per day meal allowance during training.
• Mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate for travel between the hiring location and Atlanta, and between the training center and hotel.
• Projected first-year earnings of $97,185 for the stated NMAD biweekly locations; overtime may increase earnings.
• NMAD bonus: $5,569.22 cash payment in the first year and $3,712.81 cash payment in the second year.

What This Job Offers

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