Freight Conductor - Toledo/Walbridge, OH

CSX • Toledo, OH

1d

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 requires compliance with railroad safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration regulations, signals, and train orders, as well as coordination with locomotive engineers, yardmasters, dispatchers, other transportation employees, and customers.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center, including classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. A passing average of 85% on quizzes and tests is required to remain in training. CSX provides a hotel for the training period, a $20 daily meal allowance, and reimbursement of specified mileage at the IRS rate. On-the-job training follows successful completion of the program. New hires primarily work on-call and may work nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and various shifts. Work may require reporting within two hours of notification, traveling away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer, and working outdoors in varying weather.

The posting lists projected first-year earnings of $97,185 for the stated biweekly-location category, with potential for higher earnings through overtime. It also lists training and on-the-job training rates, guaranteed extra-board pay after OJT, and cash bonuses for the first and second years. A separate description of retention bonuses gives minimum amounts of $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, subject to the applicable direct hire agreement and potentially varying by location. The position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement and requires membership. Candidates must pass drug testing, a medical exam, a background check, required assessments, and applicable safety-rules examinations. Applicants must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.

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.
• Work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries.
• Wear CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Be able to work nonstandard hours, overtime, and various shifts; new hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be able to safely report to work within two hours of being notified.
• Be able to travel and be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer if required.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Pass required assessments, a drug test, medical exam, and background check; comply with random drug and/or alcohol testing under federal regulations.
• Meet the training program's 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests.
• Meet FRA color-vision and hearing requirements.
• Meet the physical requirements, including mounting and dismounting moving equipment; stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, balancing, and climbing; working in cramped or awkward spaces; riding outside rail equipment for extended periods; walking long distances over uneven terrain; and frequently lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Be willing to accept the collective bargaining agreement and required membership.
• Comply with the strict disciplinary policy regarding failure to report to work within the required time limit.

Nice To Haves

• One or more years of outside work experience, such as construction, heavy equipment operation, or farming; experience may be professional, personal, or volunteer.
• Experience working in a safety-sensitive environment.
• A 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 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/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.
• Advance to an engineer position when required, based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonus after the first year of service, with a stated minimum of $3,000.
• Retention bonus after the second year of service, with a stated minimum of $2,000.
• Paid training at the Atlanta Training Center.
• Hotel accommodation 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.
• Information about benefits is available through the employer's benefits link.

What This Job Offers

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