Freight Conductor - Hazard, KY

CSX Transportation • Hazard, KY

10h • Onsite

About The Position

A Freight Conductor safely coordinates train crews on freight trains, positions rail cars for loading and unloading, and makes up and breaks down trains in rail yards, customer facilities, and similar locations. The role involves working with customers and other transportation employees to ensure the safe and accurate movement of freight cars. New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center, followed immediately by on-the-job training after successful completion. Training includes classroom and computer-based instruction, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies; trainees must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests. CSX provides a hotel room, a daily meal allowance, and mileage reimbursement for specified trips during training.

The position requires compliance with railroad rules, safety regulations, and Federal Railroad Administration requirements. Work hours may include varying shifts, overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays. New hires primarily work on-call, must be able to report within two hours of notification, and may travel or be away from their home terminal for 24 hours or longer. Employees must wear approved protective equipment, work outdoors in varying weather, complete annual training and safety examinations, and may advance to an engineer position as required based on seniority. The role is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required.

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.
• Pass required assessments and meet training standards, including maintaining an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests during initial training.
• Pass a drug test, medical examination, and background check.
• Ability to report to work within two hours of notification.
• Ability to work varying shifts, overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays, and to travel or be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer as required.
• Wear CSX-approved protective equipment, including a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Complete annual training and pass safety-rules examinations; federal regulations require random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Ability to cover outlying locations based on seniority and advance to an engineer position when required based on seniority.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Meet physical demands including mounting and dismounting moving equipment; stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, balancing, and climbing; working in cramped or awkward spaces; riding outside rail equipment for extended periods; walking long distances over uneven terrain; demonstrating auditory and visual acuity; meeting FRA color-vision and hearing requirements; and frequently lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Membership in the collective bargaining agreement is required.

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.
• 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 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 meet or exceed customer 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.
• Perform other activities and responsibilities as assigned by the manager.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses after the first and second years of service, subject to applicable agreement terms; the stated minimums are $3,000 after year one and $2,000 after year two.
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel room provided for the four-week Atlanta training period.
• $20 per day meal allowance during training.
• Lunch options at the REDI Cafe for $7 plus tax on class days.
• Roundtrip mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate between the hiring location and Atlanta, plus mileage between the training center and hotel.
• Guaranteed extra-board pay after on-the-job training, as stated in the posting.
• The company states that it offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and opportunities for development and growth; further benefits information is linked in the posting.

What This Job Offers

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