Freight Conductor - Sanford, FL

CSX Transportation • Sanford, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

A Freight Conductor safely coordinates train crews on freight trains, places rail cars to facilitate loading and unloading, and makes up and breaks down trains in rail yards, customer facilities, and similar locations. The role involves complying with railroad and safety rules, FRA regulations, signals, and train orders; inspecting equipment; communicating by radio and telephone; and assisting with railcar movement and minor repairs. Conductors work with customers and transportation colleagues and may operate locomotive equipment using a remote-control device.

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

The position requires living or being willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Work schedules may include nonstandard workweeks, overtime, and varied shifts. New hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays, with hours based on seniority. Employees must be able to report within two hours of notification and may travel or be away from their home terminal for 24 hours or longer. The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required. Conductors may advance to an engineer position based on seniority and business requirements.

Projected first-year earnings are $97,185. Training pay is $2,457.56 biweekly in Atlanta, on-the-job training pay is $2,949.06 biweekly, and guaranteed extra-board pay after OJT is $2,430.52 biweekly. Overtime may increase earnings. Retention bonuses are deferred to a 401(k): $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, subject to applicable agreement terms. Applicants must pass a hair follicle and urine drug test, medical exam, background check, and required assessments. Federal regulations require random drug and/or alcohol testing.

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 comprehend operating rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and other written communications.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to pass required assessments, a medical examination, background check, and hair-follicle and urine drug tests.
• Ability to meet FRA color-vision and hearing requirements.
• Ability to work safely and comply with safety rules and procedures.
• Ability to report to work within two hours of notification.
• Must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Must be able to work nonstandard schedules, overtime, varied shifts, and on-call hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to travel and be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer when required.
• Must wear CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Must complete annual training and pass safety-rules examinations; federal regulations require random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required.
• Must advance to an engineer position when required, based on seniority.
• Must maintain an 85% passing rate on training quizzes and tests to remain in the program.

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, Federal Railroad Administration regulations, railroad signals, and train orders.
• Safely perform all job responsibilities.
• Inspect equipment on rail 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.
• 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 related 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.
• Safely report to work within two hours of being notified and cover outlying locations as required based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses deferred to a 401(k): a minimum of $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, subject to applicable agreement terms.
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel room provided during 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 reimbursement between the training center and hotel.
• Guaranteed extra-board pay after on-the-job training.

What This Job Offers

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