Freight Conductor - Cleveland, OH

CSX • Cleveland, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

A Freight Conductor safely coordinates train crews on freight trains, places rail cars for loading and unloading, and makes up and breaks down trains in rail yards, customer facilities, and similar locations. The role requires compliance with railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, signals, and train orders. Conductors inspect railcar equipment, communicate by radio and telephone, operate switches and locomotive equipment using a remote control device, and work with customers and other transportation employees to move cars accurately and safely.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center in Atlanta, Georgia, followed immediately by on-the-job training after successful completion. Trainees must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests to remain in the program. The company provides a hotel room during training, a $20 daily meal allowance, and reimbursement for specified mileage. Work may involve on-call assignments, nonstandard schedules, overtime, nights, weekends, holidays, outdoor conditions, and travel away from the home terminal. Employees must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. The role is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required.

The posting lists projected first-year earnings of $97,185 for the stated NMAD biweekly locations, with potential for higher earnings through overtime. It also lists training, on-the-job training, and guaranteed extra-board biweekly pay rates, plus cash payments after the first and second years. Bonus amounts are subject to the applicable terms and may vary by location. Hiring is contingent on passing drug testing, a medical examination, and a background check.

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 workplace accidents and injuries.
• Wear CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Be able to work a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shifts; new hires primarily work on call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be able to report safely to work within two hours of notification.
• Be able to travel and potentially be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Pass required assessments and federally required random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Meet applicable 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 spaces; ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods; walk long distances over uneven terrain; and frequently lift up to 80 pounds.
• Have verbal comprehension, communication, reasoning, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location.
• Pass a drug test, medical examination, and background check.
• Maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests during training.
• Be a member of the collective bargaining agreement.

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

• Comply with railroad and safety rules, FRA regulations, railroad signals, and train orders.
• Safely perform all job responsibilities.
• Inspect equipment on railcars 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 and provide customer service that meets or exceeds 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.
• Cover outlying locations based on seniority.
• Advance to an engineer position when required, based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention cash payments upon completion of the first and second years of service; amounts vary by location and applicable agreement.
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel room provided for the full 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.
• Potential overtime earnings.

What This Job Offers

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