Freight Conductor - Dothan, AL

CSX Transportation • Dothan, AL

8h

About The Position

The Freight Conductor safely coordinates train crews on freight trains, places rail cars to facilitate loading and unloading, and makes up or breaks down trains in rail yards, customer facilities, and 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, work with customers, and perform hands-on railcar tasks.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center, followed by on-the-job training. During classroom and computer-based learning, simulations, and physical competencies, trainees must maintain at least an 85% average on quizzes and tests. CSX provides a hotel room for the training period, a $20 daily meal allowance, and round-trip mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate between the hiring location and Atlanta, plus mileage between the training center and hotel. New hires must pass a drug test, medical exam, background check, and required assessments. The role requires living or relocating within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.

Projected first-year earnings for the CSRA location are $97,185. Training and on-the-job training rates, guaranteed extra-board pay after OJT, and potential overtime earnings are described in the posting. Retention bonuses are deferred to a 401(k): $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, subject to the applicable agreement.

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required. Work schedules may include nonstandard weeks, overtime, and varied shifts. New hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays, and may need to travel or remain away from their home terminal for 24 hours or longer. The role involves outdoor work in varying weather and significant physical activity, including frequent lifting up to 80 pounds.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have one year of related experience.
• Have a high school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Read and comprehend operating rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and other written communications.
• Have proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• 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 within two hours of notification.
• Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations and all required assessments.
• Pass a drug test, medical exam, and background check; comply with federally required random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Advance to an engineer position when required based on seniority.
• Be willing to cover outlying locations based on seniority.
• Meet the physical requirements, including mounting and dismounting moving equipment, walking long distances over uneven terrain, riding outside rail equipment, and frequent lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Meet FRA color vision and hearing requirements.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Accept a position governed by a collective bargaining agreement, with membership 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, FRA regulations, railroad signals, and train orders.
• Safely perform all job responsibilities.
• Inspect equipment on railcars 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 railcars 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 signaling 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 bonuses deferred to a 401(k): at least $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, subject to the applicable agreement.
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel accommodation for the four-week training period.
• $20 per day meal allowance during training.
• Round-trip mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate between the hiring location and Atlanta, and mileage between the training center and hotel.
• The company states it offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and opportunities for development and growth; specific benefits are referred to an external benefits page.

What This Job Offers

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