Freight Conductor - Parkersburg, WV

CSX Transportation • Parkersburg, WV

8h • Onsite

About The Position

The Freight Conductor safely coordinates train crews on freight trains, places rail cars for loading and unloading, and makes up or breaks down trains in rail yards, customer facilities, and similar locations. The role requires compliance with railroad and safety rules, FRA regulations, signals, and train orders. Conductors inspect rail equipment, communicate by radio and telephone, interpret written operating materials and signals, assist with railcar movements and minor repairs, and coordinate with customers and transportation employees. The work is physically demanding and takes place outdoors in varying weather conditions. New hires attend four weeks of paid training in Atlanta, followed by on-the-job training. The job is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required. New hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays, with hours and assignments based on seniority. The role may require travel, extended time away from the home terminal, and coverage of outlying locations. Compensation information provided for NMAD biweekly locations includes projected first-year earnings of $97,185, training and on-the-job training rates, guaranteed extra-board pay after OJT, and cash bonuses in the first and second years. A separate general notice states new-hire conductors may receive retention bonuses after their first and second years, subject to the applicable direct-hire agreement.

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 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 available for a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shifts; new hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be able to safely report to work within two hours of notification.
• Be able to travel and be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer when required.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Pass all required assessments, a drug test (hair follicle and urine), a medical exam, and a background check.
• Submit to random drug and/or alcohol testing as required by federal regulations.
• Meet FRA color-vision and hearing requirements.
• Meet the physical demands of the position, including mounting and dismounting moving equipment, climbing, walking long distances over uneven terrain, and frequently lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Accept collective bargaining agreement coverage and required membership.

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 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 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 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 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 as assigned by the manager.
• Attend four weeks of paid training in Atlanta and maintain an 85% passing average on quizzes and tests to remain in training.
• Complete annual training and pass safety-rules examinations.
• Report to work within two hours of notification and cover outlying locations as assigned based on seniority.
• Advance to an engineer position when required, based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses may be paid after the first and second years of service, subject to the applicable direct-hire agreement; the posting states a general minimum of $3,000 after year one and $2,000 after year two.
• For NMAD biweekly locations, the posting lists first-year and second-year cash bonuses of $5,569.22 and $3,712.81, respectively.
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel room provided for the four-week Atlanta training period.
• $20 per day meal allowance during training.
• Round-trip mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate between the hiring location and Atlanta, and mileage between the training center and hotel.
• Lunch options at the training center's cafe at a standardized cost of $7 plus tax on class days.
• The company states it offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and development and growth opportunities; detailed benefits are referenced through an external benefits lookup.

What This Job Offers

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