Freight Conductor - Grand Rapids, MI

CSX • Grand Rapids, MI

2d

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 includes following railroad and safety rules, inspecting rail equipment, communicating by radio and telephone, operating switches and remote-control locomotive equipment, and working with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Training combines classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. New hires must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests to remain in the program. Successful completion is followed immediately by on-the-job training. Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and varied shifts; new hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays. Employees must be able to report to work within two hours of notification and may need to travel and be away from their home terminal for 24 hours or longer.

The posting gives projected first-year earnings of $97,185, with potential for higher earnings through overtime. It lists training, on-the-job training, and guaranteed extra-board pay rates, and describes cash bonuses after the first and second years of service. Employees must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Hiring is contingent on passing a drug test, medical examination, and background check. The position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required.

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 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 being notified.
• Pass required assessments, a drug test, medical examination, and background check; federal regulations also require random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Meet FRA color-vision and hearing requirements.
• Be able to perform the stated physical demands, including frequent lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Accept a nonstandard workweek, overtime, varied shifts, and on-call work that for new hires primarily includes nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be able to travel and be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer when required.
• Meet the strict attendance policy and advance to an engineer position when required based on seniority.
• Accept coverage of outlying locations based on seniority.
• Join the applicable collective bargaining agreement membership.

Nice To Haves

• One or more years of outside work experience, such as construction, heavy equipment operation, or farming; professional, personal, or volunteer experience may count.
• 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 and 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 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/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 cash bonuses after the first and second years of service; the posting lists NMAD amounts of $5,569.22 after the first year and $3,712.81 after the second year.
• 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.
• Lunch options at the REDI Cafe for $7 plus tax on class days.

What This Job Offers

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