Freight Conductor - Nashville, TN

CSX • Nashville, TN

1d

About The Position

The 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 involves complying with railroad and safety rules and Federal Railroad Administration regulations; inspecting rail equipment; communicating by radio and telephone; interpreting written operating instructions and signals; coupling and uncoupling cars; operating switches and locomotive equipment with a remote-control device; and working with customers to ensure accurate car movements and placement.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center, followed immediately by on-the-job training after successful completion. Training combines classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. New hires must maintain an 85% average on quizzes and tests to remain in the program. CSX provides a hotel room, a $20 daily meal allowance, and reimbursement of eligible mileage. The position requires living within or relocating to within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.

Work schedules may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and varied shifts. New hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays, with work hours based on seniority. Employees must be able to report within two hours of notification, may travel and be away from their home terminal for 24 hours or longer, and may cover outlying locations based on seniority. The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and requires membership. New hires may receive retention bonuses after the first and second years of service, subject to applicable agreement terms.

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.
• Read and comprehend operating instructions, rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and other written communications.
• Have proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Pass required assessments, a drug test, medical exam, and background check.
• Meet Federal Railroad Administration color-vision and hearing requirements.
• Safely report to work within two hours of notification.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Wear CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Comply with random drug and/or alcohol testing required by federal regulations.
• Meet the physical requirements of the position, including frequent lifting of up to 80 pounds.
• Be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and, as required, travel and be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer.
• Be willing to work a nonstandard schedule, overtime, varied shifts, and—particularly for new hires—on-call hours, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be covered by the collective bargaining agreement and maintain required 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 prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries.
• Inspect equipment on rail cars before departures.
• Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone.
• Read and understand bulletins, work orders, switch lists, operating rules, and other written instructions.
• 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 excellent customer service.
• Remain aware of the surrounding area and suspicious activity to support rail safety.
• Operate locomotive equipment using a remote-control device.
• Comprehend 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 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 after the first and second years of service; stated minimum amounts are $3,000 after year one and $2,000 after year two, subject to applicable agreement terms.
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel accommodation during the four-week Atlanta training period.
• $20 per day meal allowance during training.
• Reimbursement at the IRS rate for roundtrip mileage between the hiring location and Atlanta, and mileage 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