Freight Conductor - Jacksonville, FL

CSX • Jacksonville, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

A 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, or similar locations. The role involves following railroad safety rules and federal regulations, inspecting rail equipment, communicating by radio and telephone, coordinating car movements with customers and transportation employees, and operating locomotive equipment using a remote control device.

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. Trainees must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests to remain in the program. Successful completion is followed immediately by on-the-job training. The company 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, as well as mileage between the training center and hotel.

New hires may receive retention bonuses after completing their first and second years of service, subject to the applicable direct hire agreement. The posting states projected first-year earnings of $97,185 for the CSRA location, with potential for additional earnings through overtime. The job is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required. The selected candidate must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Candidates must pass a drug test, medical exam, background check, and required assessments.

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 instructions, rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and other written communications.
• Have proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• 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 a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shifts; new hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be able to report to work safely within two hours of being notified.
• Be willing to travel and be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer if required.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Pass required assessments and comply with random drug and/or alcohol testing required by federal regulations.
• Meet the strict attendance policy, including reporting to work within the required time limit.
• Be able to mount and dismount moving equipment; stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, and climb; work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places; ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods; and walk long distances over uneven terrain for extended periods during shifts.
• Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity, tracking, and inspection ability, and meet FRA color vision and hearing requirements.
• Frequently lift up to 80 pounds.
• Have verbal comprehension, clear communication, reasoning, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Pass a hair follicle and urine drug test, medical exam, and background check.
• Accept that the position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement and requires membership.

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.
• A 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 and inspect equipment on rail cars before departure.
• Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone.
• Read and understand bulletins, work orders, switch lists, operating rules, and other written communications.
• Assist with coupling and uncoupling cars, operate switches, and make minor railcar repairs, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses.
• Coordinate 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 help ensure rail safety.
• Operate locomotive equipment using a remote control device.
• Comprehend color and/or 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 assigned by the manager.
• Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations.
• Advance to an engineer position when required, based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses: at least $3,000 after one year and $2,000 after two years, potentially greater depending on work location and 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 reimbursement between the training center and hotel.
• The REDI Cafe offers lunch options at a standardized cost of $7 plus tax on class days.
• Information about benefits is available through a link in the posting.

What This Job Offers

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