Freight Conductor - Augusta, GA

CSX Transportation • Augusta, GA

1h • Onsite

About The Position

The 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 requires following railroad safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration regulations, signals, and train orders, while communicating with railroad personnel and customers to ensure safe and accurate movement of rail cars.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Training combines classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. New hires must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests to remain in training. CSX provides a hotel room for the four weeks, a $20 daily meal allowance, and reimbursement for eligible mileage. On-the-job training begins 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. Depending on business needs, candidates may be placed in a hiring pipeline. New hires may work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays, with hours based on seniority. Employees may be required to travel and be away from their home terminal for 24 hours or longer, cover outlying locations, and advance to an engineer position when required based on seniority. The position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required.

Projected first-year earnings for CSRA are $97,185. Training pay in Atlanta is $2,457.56 biweekly, 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. CSRA retention bonuses are $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, deferred to a 401(k).

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.
• Pass required assessments, a drug test (hair follicle and urine), a medical exam, and a background check.
• Maintain an 85% passing rate on training quizzes and tests.
• Safely report to work within two hours of being notified.
• Work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries.
• Wear CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Be available for nonstandard workweeks, overtime, and various shifts, including on-call work, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Meet Federal Railroad Administration color-vision and hearing requirements.
• Comply with random drug and/or alcohol testing required by federal regulations.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location.
• Meet the physical requirements of the position, including mounting and dismounting moving equipment; stooping, 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 frequent lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Join the collective bargaining agreement membership required for the position.

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 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 customer service that identifies and meets or exceeds customer expectations.
• Monitor the surrounding area for 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.

Benefits

• Paid four-week training.
• Hotel room provided during the four-week training program.
• $20 per day meal allowance during training.
• Eligible mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate.
• Retention bonuses of at least $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, subject to applicable terms; CSRA bonuses are deferred to a 401(k).
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Development and growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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