Freight Conductor - Atlanta, GA

CSX • Atlanta, GA

18h • Onsite

About The Position

A 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 involves operating locomotive equipment with a remote-control device, communicating with railroad personnel and customers, and following railroad safety rules and Federal Railroad Administration regulations.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center, followed by on-the-job training. 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 roundtrip mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate between the hiring location and Atlanta, plus mileage between the training center and hotel. On-the-job training starts after successful completion of training. New hire conductors may receive retention bonuses after their first and second years of service, deferred to a 401(k). The position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required. Applicants must pass a drug test, medical exam, and background check and must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of Atlanta; relocation assistance is not offered. Depending on business needs, candidates may be placed in a hiring pipeline.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• One year of related experience.
• High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Ability to read and comprehend operating instructions, rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and other written communications.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work safely and prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries.
• Ability to wear required CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Availability for a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shifts; new hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to report to work safely within two hours of notification.
• Willingness to travel and be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer if required.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to pass required assessments and random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Ability to meet attendance and reporting-time requirements under the applicable disciplinary policy.
• Must pass a drug test (hair follicle and urine), medical exam, and background check.
• Must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location.
• Must maintain an 85% passing rate on training quizzes and tests to remain in the training program.
• Must be able to mount and dismount moving equipment.
• Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, and climb.
• Ability to work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places.
• Ability to ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain for extended periods during shifts.
• Auditory and visual acuity for tracking and inspection, and ability to meet FRA color-vision and hearing requirements.
• Ability to lift up to 80 pounds frequently.
• Verbal comprehension, clear communication, reasoning, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.

Nice To Haves

• One or more years of outside work experience, such as construction, heavy-equipment operation, or farming; professional, personal, or volunteer experience may qualify.
• Experience working in a safety-sensitive environment.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Comply with railroad and safety rules, FRA regulations, railroad signals, and train orders.
• Safely perform all job responsibilities.
• Inspect rail-car equipment 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 rail-car 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 as assigned by the manager.
• Complete annual training and pass safety-rules examinations.
• Cover outlying locations based on seniority.
• Advance to an engineer position when required, based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses deferred to a 401(k): $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year; amounts may vary by work location and are subject to the applicable direct-hire agreement.
• 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 between the training center and hotel.
• Projected first-year earnings of $97,185; overtime may provide additional earnings.
• Training rate in Atlanta of $2,457.56 biweekly, on-the-job training rate of $2,949.06 biweekly, and guaranteed extra-board pay after OJT of $2,430.52 biweekly.

What This Job Offers

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