Freight Conductor - Atlanta, GA

CSX • Atlanta, GA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Freight Conductor safely coordinates train crews on freight trains, positions rail cars for loading and unloading, and makes up and breaks down trains in rail yards, customer facilities, and similar locations. The role requires compliance with railroad safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration regulations, signals, and train orders. Conductors communicate by radio and telephone, inspect equipment, work with customers, and may operate locomotive equipment using a remote control device.

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 four-week training period, a $20 daily meal allowance, and reimbursement for specified mileage. On-the-job training begins after successful completion of the training center program.

The position is based in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Candidates must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Work may involve on-call assignments, nonstandard hours, overtime, nights, weekends, holidays, outdoor conditions, and travel away from the home terminal. New hires must be able to report within two hours of notification. The position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement and requires membership. Employment is contingent on passing drug testing, a medical exam, a background check, and required assessments.

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.
• Safely report to work within two hours of being notified.
• Pass required assessments, a medical exam, a background check, and drug testing; federal regulations also require random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Meet FRA color vision and hearing requirements.
• Wear CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shifts; new hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be able to travel and remain away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer when required.
• Advance to an engineer position when required, based on seniority.
• Accept coverage of outlying locations based on seniority.
• Be a member of the collective bargaining unit.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Meet the physical requirements, including mounting and dismounting moving equipment; bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, balancing, and climbing; working in confined or awkward spaces; riding outside rail equipment for extended periods; walking long distances over uneven terrain; and frequently lifting up to 80 pounds.

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

• Comply with railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration 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 meet or exceed customer expectations.
• 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 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.

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; the CSRA bonus amounts are deferred to a 401(k).
• Four weeks of 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.
• Guaranteed extra-board pay after on-the-job training, as specified for CSRA.
• Company states it offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and opportunities for development and growth; detailed benefits are available through the linked benefits resource.

What This Job Offers

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