Freight Conductor - Savannah, GA

CSX • Savannah, GA

16h • Onsite

About The Position

A Freight Conductor safely coordinates train crews on freight trains, positions 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 and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration regulations, signals, and train orders. Conductors communicate with transportation employees and customers, inspect equipment, operate switches and locomotive equipment using a remote control device, and help ensure safe and accurate movement of rail cars.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center in Atlanta, Georgia, followed immediately by on-the-job training after successful completion. Training combines classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. Trainees must maintain an 85% passing average on quizzes and tests. CSX provides a hotel room for the training period, a $20-per-day meal allowance, and reimbursement of eligible mileage at the IRS rate.

The position is based in the Savannah, Georgia area. Employees must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Work hours may involve a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and varied shifts. New hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays, with schedules based on seniority. Employees may need to report within two hours of notification and may be away from their home terminal for 24 hours or longer. The position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required.

Projected first-year earnings for the CSRA are $97,185. Training, on-the-job training, and guaranteed extra-board pay rates are stated in the posting. Earnings may be higher with overtime. New-hire retention bonuses are deferred to a 401(k): $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, subject to the applicable agreement and location. Applicants must pass drug testing, a medical exam, and a background check.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• At least one year of related experience.
• High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, including operating rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and other written communications.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Must pass a drug test, medical exam, and background check.
• Must be able to safely report to work within two hours of being notified.
• Must be able to mount and dismount moving equipment and perform the listed physical tasks, including frequent lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Must meet FRA color vision and hearing requirements.
• Must wear CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Must work safely to prevent workplace accidents and injuries.
• Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and work a nonstandard schedule, including overtime and varied shifts; new hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• May be required to travel and be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer.
• Must comply with random drug and/or alcohol testing required by federal regulations.
• Must comply with the disciplinary policy regarding failure to report to work within the required time limit.
• Must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests during training; failure to do so results in release from the program and rescission of the offer.
• Must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required.

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 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 support rail safety.
• Operate locomotive equipment using a remote control device.
• Comprehend 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 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

• 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 reimbursement between the training center and hotel.
• Retention bonuses deferred to a 401(k): $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, subject to the applicable agreement and location.

What This Job Offers

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