Freight Conductor - Greenwood, SC

CSX • Greenwood, SC

8h • 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 role involves operating and inspecting rail equipment, communicating with railroad employees and customers, and complying with railroad safety rules and Federal Railroad Administration regulations.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center, followed by on-the-job training. CSX provides a hotel room for the training period, a $20 daily meal allowance, and reimbursement of eligible mileage at the IRS rate. Trainees must maintain an 85% passing average on quizzes and tests or their offer may be rescinded. New hire conductors may receive 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. The posting lists projected first-year earnings of $97,185 for CSRA, with possible additional earnings from overtime.

The position requires living within, or relocating to within, 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Work may involve nonstandard hours, overtime, shift work, on-call assignments, nights, weekends, holidays, travel, and being away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer. 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

• At least 18 years of age.
• One year of related experience.
• High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Ability to read and understand operating rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and other written communications.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to report to work safely within two hours of being notified.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and to travel or be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer when required.
• Ability to work nonstandard hours, overtime, shifts, and on-call assignments, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must wear CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Must pass required assessments, a medical exam, drug testing, and a background check; federal regulations also require random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Must meet FRA color-vision and hearing requirements.
• Must be able to safely perform the physical requirements of the position, including mounting and dismounting moving equipment, walking long distances over uneven terrain, and frequent lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Must be able to pass training quizzes and tests with an 85% average to remain in training.
• Must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Must join the union as required by the collective bargaining agreement.

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, 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.
• Couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor railcar repairs, including replacing heavy couplings or air-brake hoses.
• Coordinate 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.
• Understand and respond to color and 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 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 deferred to a 401(k): at least $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, subject to applicable terms.
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel room provided during the four-week training period.
• $20 per day meal allowance during training.
• Reimbursement of roundtrip mileage between the hiring location and Atlanta at the IRS rate, and mileage between the training center and hotel.
• Potential overtime earnings.

What This Job Offers

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