Freight Conductor - Hinton, WV

CSX • Hinton, WV

8h • 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 or breaks down trains in rail yards, customer facilities, or similar locations. The role includes coordinating with locomotive engineers, yardmasters, dispatchers, customers, and other transportation employees 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. Trainees must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests. After successfully completing training, on-the-job training begins immediately. New hires may be placed in a hiring pipeline depending on business needs.

The position requires living within, or relocating to, 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Work schedules may include nonstandard workweeks, overtime, and various shifts. New hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays, and must be able to report within two hours of notification. Travel away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer may be required. The position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required.

Projected first-year earnings are $97,185. The posting lists training, on-the-job training, and guaranteed extra-board biweekly rates, and notes that overtime may increase earnings. New hire conductors are eligible for retention bonuses after their first and second years of service; the CSRA section states these amounts are deferred to a 401(k). Candidates must pass a drug test, medical exam, and background check.

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 rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and other written communications.
• Have proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Safely report to work within two hours of being notified.
• Pass required assessments, a drug test, medical exam, and background check.
• Meet FRA color-vision and hearing requirements.
• Wear CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries.
• Comply with random drug and/or alcohol testing required by federal regulations.
• Be able to work nonstandard schedules, overtime, various shifts, and on-call assignments, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be able to travel and remain away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer when required.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Participate in collective bargaining agreement membership, which is required.
• Meet the physical requirements of the job, including frequent lifting of up to 80 pounds.

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 count.
• Experience working in a safety-sensitive environment.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with railroad and safety rules, FRA 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, identifying customer needs and meeting or exceeding 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

• Paid training at the Atlanta Training Center.
• 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.
• Retention bonuses after the first and second years of service; the CSRA section lists $3,000 after year one and $2,000 after year two, deferred to a 401(k).
• Guaranteed extra-board pay after on-the-job training.
• Potential overtime earnings.

What This Job Offers

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