Freight Conductor - Charlotte, NC

CSX Transportation • Charlotte, NC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Freight Conductor safely coordinates train crews on freight trains, positions rail cars for loading and unloading, and makes up or breaks down trains in rail yards, customer facilities, or similar locations. The role requires following railroad and safety rules and coordinating with yardmasters, dispatchers, locomotive engineers, customers, and other transportation employees. Conductors may operate locomotive equipment using a remote-control device and may be required to advance to an engineer position based on seniority.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center, followed by on-the-job training. Training includes 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 during the training period, a $20-per-day meal allowance, and reimburses qualifying mileage at the IRS rate. The position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required. New hires primarily work on-call, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with work hours based on seniority. Work may take place outdoors in varying weather, and employees may be away from their home terminal for 24 hours or longer.

For CSRA, projected first-year earnings are $97,185. Listed biweekly rates include $2,457.56 during Atlanta training, $2,949.06 during on-the-job training, and guaranteed extra-board pay of $2,430.52 after OJT. The posting states average new-hire conductor earnings in 2023 were $97,185, potentially higher with overtime. CSRA retention bonuses are deferred to a 401(k): $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, subject to applicable terms. Candidates must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Hiring is contingent on passing drug testing, a medical exam, and a background check.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• One year of related experience.
• High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• 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 a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and varied shifts, including on-call nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to travel and be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer when required.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to pass required assessments and annual safety-rules examinations.
• Must pass a drug test, medical exam, and background check; federal regulations also require random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Must wear CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Must meet FRA color-vision and hearing requirements.
• Must be able to mount and dismount moving equipment; stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, and climb; work in cramped 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.
• Must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location.
• Must join the applicable collective bargaining agreement membership.
• Must advance to an engineer position when required based on seniority.

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

• Ensure compliance with railroad and safety rules, FRA regulations, railroad signals, and train orders.
• Safely perform all job responsibilities.
• Inspect equipment on 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 and provide customer service that meets or exceeds their expectations.
• Maintain awareness 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.
• Report to work within two hours of being notified when required.
• Cover outlying locations based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses deferred to a 401(k): at least $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, subject to applicable terms.
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel room provided for the four-week training period.
• $20-per-day meal allowance during training.
• Reimbursement of roundtrip mileage between the hiring location and Atlanta, and mileage between the training center and hotel, at the IRS rate.
• Information about benefits is available through the linked benefits lookup.

What This Job Offers

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