Freight Conductor - Miami, FL

CSX • Miami, FL

3d • 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 involves following railroad and safety rules and Federal Railroad Administration regulations, inspecting equipment, communicating by radio and telephone, operating switches and locomotive equipment using a remote-control device, and working with customers and other transportation employees.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center in Atlanta, Georgia, followed immediately by on-the-job training upon successful completion. Trainees must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests. The position may involve a hiring pipeline depending on business needs. Candidates must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.

Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shifts. New hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays, and must be able to report within two hours of notification. The role may require travel and being away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer. This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required.

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 instructions, including 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, such as a high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Be able to report to work safely within two hours of being notified.
• Pass required assessments, a drug test (hair follicle and urine), a medical exam, and a background check.
• Meet color vision and hearing requirements described in FRA regulations.
• Be able to perform the listed physical activities, including mounting and dismounting moving equipment, working in confined or awkward places, riding on the outside of rail equipment, walking long distances over uneven terrain, and frequently lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Maintain an 85% passing rate on training quizzes and tests.
• Be available for a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shifts, including on-call work, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be willing to travel and potentially be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer.
• Meet the collective bargaining agreement membership requirement.

Nice To Haves

• One or more years of outside work experience, such as construction, heavy equipment operations, 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, 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 by identifying and meeting or exceeding customer needs.
• Maintain awareness of the surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety.
• Operate locomotive equipment using a remote-control device.
• Comprehend color and/or hand signals and 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.
• Advance to an engineer position when required, based on seniority.
• Cover outlying locations based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses after the first and second years of service: at least $3,000 after year one and $2,000 after year two, subject to the applicable direct hire agreement and potentially higher based on work location.
• CSRA bonuses of $3,000 for the first year and $2,000 for the second year, deferred to a 401(k).
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel room provided for the full 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.
• Guaranteed extra-board pay after on-the-job training.

What This Job Offers

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