Freight Conductor - Danville, IL

CSX Transportation • Danville, IL

5h • Onsite

About The Position

The Freight Conductor safely coordinates train crews on freight trains, places rail cars for loading and unloading, and makes up or breaks down trains in rail yards, customer facilities, and similar locations. The role involves following railroad and safety rules and regulations, inspecting equipment, communicating by radio and telephone, handling rail cars and switches, serving customers, and operating locomotive equipment with a remote-control device.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center. Training includes classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. Trainees must maintain an 85% passing average on quizzes and tests to remain in the program. CSX provides a hotel room for the four-week 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 requires living within or relocating to within 50 miles of Danville, Illinois; relocation assistance is not offered. Depending on business needs, applicants may be placed in a hiring pipeline. New hires may be eligible for retention bonuses after their first and second years of service. The posting lists projected first-year earnings of $97,185 for the stated NMAD biweekly locations, with potential for additional earnings through overtime. Work is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• One year of related experience.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to read and comprehend operating instructions, rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and other written communications.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to safely report to work within two hours of notification.
• Ability to work nonstandard weeks, overtime, and various shifts; new hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability 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 drug and alcohol testing, including random testing required by federal regulations.
• Must wear CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Must pass a drug test, medical exam, and background check.
• Must be able to mount and dismount moving equipment; stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, and climb; and work in cramped or awkward spaces.
• Must be able to ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods and walk long distances over uneven terrain during shifts.
• Must demonstrate auditory and visual acuity for tracking and inspection, and meet FRA color-vision and hearing requirements.
• Must frequently lift up to 80 pounds.
• Must have verbal comprehension, clear communication, reasoning, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location.
• Must join the collective bargaining unit.

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, 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.
• Couple and uncouple 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.
• Monitor the surrounding area for suspicious activity to support rail safety.
• Operate locomotive equipment using a remote-control device.
• Understand 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.
• Report to work within two hours of being notified, when called.
• Advance to an engineer position when required based on seniority.
• Cover outlying locations based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses after the first and second years of service; amounts vary by work location and applicable agreement.
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel accommodation during training.
• $20 per day meal allowance during training.
• Mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate for travel between the hiring location and Atlanta, and between the training center and hotel.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Opportunities for development and career growth.

What This Job Offers

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