Freight Conductor - Machester, GA

CSX Transportation • Manchester, GA

15h • 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 or breaks down trains in rail yards, customer facilities, and similar locations. The role includes ensuring compliance with railroad and safety rules, FRA regulations, signals, and train orders; inspecting equipment; communicating by radio and telephone; and assisting with railcar coupling, uncoupling, switching, and minor repairs. Conductors work with customers and transportation colleagues to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars, and may operate locomotive equipment with a remote control device.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center, followed by on-the-job training. Training includes classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. Employees must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests to remain in training. CSX provides a hotel room for the four-week training period, a $20 daily meal allowance, and reimbursement of specified mileage at the IRS rate.

The position requires living within or relocating to within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Work may involve nonstandard weeks, overtime, varied shifts, and on-call duty, including nights, weekends, and holidays. 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. Work is performed outdoors in varying weather conditions and is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with required membership.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have one year of related experience.
• Have a high school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Be able to read and comprehend operating instructions, 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, such as 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 exam, and background check.
• Meet applicable FRA color vision and hearing requirements.
• Meet physical requirements including mounting and dismounting moving equipment; stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, balancing, and climbing; working in cramped or awkward spaces; riding on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods; walking long distances over uneven terrain; and frequent lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Meet federal requirements for random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Accept that the position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement and membership is required.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.

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 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.
• Maintain awareness of the surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure 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 miscellaneous 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.
• Cover outlying locations based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses of at least $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year of service, subject to the applicable direct hire agreement; CSRA bonuses are deferred to a 401(k).
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel accommodation 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 between the training center and hotel.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Opportunities for development and growth.

What This Job Offers

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