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 or breaks down trains in rail yards, customer facilities, or similar locations. The position requires following railroad safety rules and regulations, communicating by radio and telephone, inspecting rail equipment, and working with customers and other transportation employees to ensure safe and accurate movement of rail cars.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center, with 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 room for the training period, a $20 daily meal allowance, and mileage reimbursement under the conditions described in the posting. On-the-job training begins after successful completion of training.

The role is based in the Baltimore, Maryland area. Employees must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Work may be on-call and involve nonstandard hours, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, outdoor conditions, and travel away from the home terminal. New hires must be able to report within two hours of notification. The position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required. Candidates must pass a drug test, medical exam, background check, and required assessments.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• At least one year of related experience.
• High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Ability to read and comprehend operating instructions, rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and other written communications.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Must pass a drug test, medical exam, background check, and required assessments.
• Must safely report to work within two hours of being notified.
• Must be able to work nonstandard hours, overtime, and various shifts, including on-call work, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to travel and potentially be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer.
• Must wear CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Must meet FRA color vision and hearing requirements.
• Must be able to mount and dismount moving equipment; 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; and lift up to 80 pounds frequently.
• Must be able to demonstrate auditory and visual acuity, tracking, and inspection abilities.
• Must be a member under the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• Federal regulations require random drug and/or alcohol testing.

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, FRA 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.
• Advance to an engineer position when required based on seniority and cover outlying locations based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses upon completion of the first and second years of service, with stated minimum amounts of $3,000 after year one and $2,000 after year two; location-specific amounts and terms may vary.
• For the NMAD biweekly locations, the stated bonuses are $5,569.22 in the first year and $3,712.81 in the second year.
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel room provided 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 for mileage between the training center and hotel.
• The employer states that it offers a competitive compensation and benefits package; benefits details are available through the linked benefits lookup.

What This Job Offers

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