Freight Conductor - Chattanooga, TN

CSX • Chattanooga, TN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The 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 position requires compliance with railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration regulations, signals, and train orders. Conductors may operate locomotive equipment using a remote control device and work outdoors in varying weather conditions. New hires attend four weeks of paid training in Atlanta, Georgia, followed immediately by on-the-job training after successful completion. New hires must maintain an 85% passing rate on training quizzes and tests. The position requires living within or relocating to within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Work may involve on-call availability, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, nonstandard shifts, and travel away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer. The role is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required. Candidates must pass drug testing, a medical exam, a 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 instructions, including operating 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 able to work nonstandard schedules, overtime, and various shifts, including on-call work, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be able to report to work safely within two hours of being notified.
• Be able to travel and potentially be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer.
• Pass required assessments and drug testing, including random drug and/or alcohol testing as required by federal regulations.
• Pass a medical exam and background check.
• Meet FRA color vision and hearing requirements.
• 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; walk long distances over uneven terrain; and lift up to 80 pounds frequently.
• Have verbal comprehension, 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.
• Maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests during training.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration regulations, railroad signals, and train orders.
• Safely perform all job responsibilities.
• Inspect all equipment on rail cars before departure.
• 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 rail cars and provide customer service that meets or exceeds customer expectations.
• Remain aware of the surrounding area and suspicious activity to support 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 as assigned by the manager.
• Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations.
• Advance to an engineer position when required, based on seniority.
• Cover outlying locations based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses of at least $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, subject to the applicable direct hire agreement; the CSRA bonus is 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 for mileage between the training center and hotel.
• Guaranteed extra-board pay after on-the-job training, as described in the posting.

What This Job Offers

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