Freight Conductor - Sanford, FL

CSX • Sanford, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

A Freight Conductor safely coordinates train crews, moves rail cars to support customer loading and unloading, and makes up or breaks down trains in rail yards, customer facilities, and similar locations. The role includes operating locomotive equipment with a remote-control device and coordinating with yardmasters, dispatchers, locomotive engineers, customers, and other transportation employees.

The position requires compliance with railroad safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration regulations, signals, and train orders. Conductors inspect equipment, communicate by radio and telephone, interpret written operating information, assist with coupling and uncoupling cars, operate switches, and make minor railcar repairs. The work is safety-sensitive and takes place outdoors in varying weather conditions. Schedules may include on-call work, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and nonstandard shifts; work hours are based on seniority. New hires must be able to report within two hours of notification and may need to travel or remain away from their home terminal for 24 hours or longer.

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. Training combines classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. Trainees must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests. CSX provides a hotel for the training period, a $20 daily meal allowance, and mileage reimbursement under the terms described in the posting. The posting lists projected first-year earnings of $97,185, training and on-the-job training pay rates, and guaranteed extra-board pay after OJT. 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 pass a hair follicle and urine drug test, medical examination, background check, required assessments, and safety rules examinations. The role is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required. Candidates must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.

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 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 nonstandard workweeks, overtime, and varied shift work; new hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be able to report to work safely within two hours of being notified.
• Be able to travel and be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer if required.
• Pass all required assessments, a medical examination, background check, and hair follicle and urine drug tests; comply with random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Meet FRA color vision and hearing requirements.
• Be able to perform the stated physical requirements, including frequent lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests during training.
• Accept collective bargaining agreement coverage and required membership.
• Meet the strict attendance and reporting requirements described in the posting.

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, FRA regulations, railroad signals, and train orders.
• Safely perform all job responsibilities.
• Inspect railcar equipment before departures.
• Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone.
• Read and understand bulletins, work orders, switch lists, and other operating 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 cars and provide excellent customer service.
• Maintain awareness of the surrounding area and suspicious activity to support rail safety.
• Operate locomotive equipment using a remote-control device.
• Understand 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.
• Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses deferred to a 401(k): $3,000 after the first year and $2,000 after the second year, subject to applicable terms.
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel provided for the 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.

What This Job Offers

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