Freight Conductor - Hamlet, NC

CSX Transportation • Hamlet, NC

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Freight Conductor safely coordinates train crews on freight trains, places rail cars to support loading and unloading, and makes up and 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 inspect rail equipment, communicate by radio and telephone, interpret written operating materials, assist with railcar handling and minor repairs, and work with customers to ensure accurate car movement and placement. The position may involve using a remote-control device to operate locomotive equipment.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center. Training combines classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies; trainees must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests. CSX provides a hotel room for the training period, a $20-per-day meal allowance, and mileage reimbursement as described in the posting. On-the-job training begins after successful completion of the training center program.

The position requires living within, or being willing to relocate within, 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Work may involve irregular shifts, overtime, on-call duties, nights, weekends, and holidays, with schedules based on seniority. Conductors must be able to report within two hours of notification and may travel or remain away from their home terminal for 24 hours or longer. The role is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required. New hires may be eligible for retention bonuses after their first and second years of service, deferred to a 401(k) under the CSRA bonus terms described in the posting.

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 operating rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and other written communications.
• Have proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Work safely to prevent workplace accidents and injuries.
• Wear CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Be able to report to work within two hours of notification.
• Pass required assessments, medical examination, drug testing, and background check.
• Comply with federal random drug and/or alcohol testing requirements.
• Meet FRA color-vision and hearing requirements.
• Advance to an engineer position when required, based on seniority.
• Accept collective bargaining agreement coverage and required membership.
• Pass required safety rules examinations and maintain the stated 85% training assessment average.

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.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Follow railroad and safety rules, FRA regulations, railroad signals, and train orders.
• Safely perform the responsibilities of the job.
• Inspect equipment on railcars before departure.
• Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone.
• Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists.
• Assist with coupling and uncoupling railcars, 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 assigned by a manager.
• Complete annual training and pass safety-rules examinations.
• Cover outlying locations based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses are available after the first and second years of service; the CSRA posting specifies $3,000 for year one and $2,000 for year two, deferred to a 401(k).
• Four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center.
• 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 between the training center and hotel.
• The posting states that CSX offers a competitive compensation and benefits package; benefit details are available through the linked benefits page.

What This Job Offers

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