Freight Conductor - New Martinsville, WV

CSX Transportation • New Martinsville, WV

23h • 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, and similar locations. The role involves following railroad safety rules and regulations, inspecting equipment, communicating by radio and telephone, handling rail cars and switches, serving customers, and operating locomotive equipment with a remote-control device.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center, including classroom and computer-based learning, simulations, and physical competencies. A passing average of at least 85% on quizzes and tests is required to remain in training. CSX provides a hotel room for the training period, a $20 daily meal allowance, and reimbursement for qualifying mileage. On-the-job training begins after successful completion of the Atlanta training program.

The position is based in the New Martinsville, West Virginia area. 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, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, nonstandard workweeks, travel, and time away from the home terminal. New hires must be able to report within two hours of notification. Compensation information lists projected first-year earnings of $97,185, with opportunities for additional earnings through overtime. Retention bonus payments are listed as $5,569.22 after the first year and $3,712.81 after the second year, subject to applicable terms.

Employment requires passing a drug test, medical exam, background check, and required assessments. The job is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required. Employees must complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations; federal regulations also require random drug and/or alcohol testing.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• One year of related experience.
• High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, including operating rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and other written communications.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Must pass a drug test, medical exam, background check, and all required assessments.
• Must be able to report to work within two hours of notification.
• Must complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations.
• Must meet FRA color vision and hearing requirements.
• Must be able to safely mount and dismount moving equipment; stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, and climb; work in confined or awkward places; ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods; and walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Must be able to lift up to 80 pounds frequently.
• Must wear CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required.
• Work hours may include nonstandard workweeks, overtime, various shifts, on-call work, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• May be required to travel and be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer.
• Must demonstrate verbal comprehension, clear communication, reasoning, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• 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

• 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 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/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.
• Work safely to prevent workplace accidents and injuries.
• Advance to an engineer position when required based on seniority.
• Cover outlying locations based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonus of at least $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, with the specific New Martinsville amounts listed as $5,569.22 and $3,712.81, respectively, subject to applicable terms.
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel room provided for the four-week Atlanta training period.
• $20 per day meal allowance during training.
• Reimbursement at the IRS rate for roundtrip mileage between the hiring location and Atlanta, and mileage between the training center and hotel.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package; specific benefits are not detailed in the posting.
• Development and growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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