Freight Conductor - Chattanooga, TN

CSX Transportation • Chattanooga, TN

3d • 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 and breaks down trains in rail yards, customer facilities, or similar locations. The position involves operating locomotive equipment using a remote-control device and coordinating with locomotive engineers, yardmasters, dispatchers, customers, and other transportation employees.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center, with classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. Trainees must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests to remain in the program. CSX provides a hotel room for the training period, a $20 daily meal allowance, and reimbursement for eligible mileage. On-the-job training begins after successful completion of the training center program.

New hires may receive retention bonuses after their first and second years of service, subject to the applicable direct-hire agreement. The posting lists projected first-year earnings of $97,185 for CSRA; earnings may be higher with overtime opportunities. The role requires living or being willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Candidates must pass a drug test, medical examination, background check, and required assessments. The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and requires membership.

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 operating instructions, 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 available for a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shifts; new hires primarily work on call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be able to report to work within two hours of being notified.
• 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 the strict attendance policy, including reporting within the required time limit.
• Meet applicable FRA color-vision and hearing requirements.
• Perform the physical demands of the position, including mounting and dismounting moving equipment, working in confined or awkward spaces, riding on the outside of rail equipment, walking long distances over uneven terrain, and frequently lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Have verbal comprehension, clear communication, reasoning, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Pass a drug test, medical examination, and background check.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Meet the collective bargaining agreement's membership requirement.

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.
• Inspect 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 cars and provide customer service that meets or exceeds their 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 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.
• Cover outlying locations as determined by seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonus of at least $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, subject to applicable terms; CSRA bonuses are 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.
• Reimbursement at the IRS rate for roundtrip mileage between the hiring location and Atlanta and for mileage between the training center and hotel.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package; specific benefits are referenced through the company's benefits lookup page.

What This Job Offers

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