Freight Conductor - Russell, KY

CSX Transportation • Russell, KY

9d

About The Position

A 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 includes operating locomotive equipment with 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 in Atlanta, Georgia. Training combines classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. Trainees must maintain at least 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 roundtrip mileage. On-the-job training begins after successful completion of the training center program.

The position requires living within, or being willing to relocate within, 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Work may involve nonstandard hours, overtime, shift work, on-call assignments, nights, weekends, holidays, travel, and time away from the home terminal. New hires must be able to report within two hours of notification. The role is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and membership is required. Employees may be required to advance to an engineer position based on seniority.

Projected first-year earnings listed for CSRA are $97,185. Training, on-the-job training, and guaranteed extra-board pay rates are provided in the posting. New hires may receive retention bonuses after their first and second years of service, subject to the applicable agreement; the CSRA bonus is deferred to a 401(k).

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• 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 able to report to work within two hours of notification.
• Pass required assessments and a drug test, medical examination, and background check.
• Comply with federally required random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Meet FRA color-vision and hearing requirements.
• Be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and travel or be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer when required.
• Accept work hours that may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, varied shifts, and on-call work; new hires primarily work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Accept the strict disciplinary policy concerning failure to report within the required time limit.
• Be willing to advance to an engineer position when required based on seniority.
• Meet the requirements of the collective bargaining agreement; membership is required.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Meet the stated physical requirements, 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 for tracking and inspection; and frequently lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Demonstrate verbal comprehension, clear communication, reasoning, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.

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 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.
• Maintain awareness 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.
• Complete annual training and pass safety-rules examinations.
• Cover outlying locations based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses after the first and second years of service; the CSRA bonus amounts 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 of roundtrip mileage between the hiring location and Atlanta at the IRS rate, and mileage between the training center and hotel.
• The posting states CSX is committed to offering a competitive compensation and benefits package; details are available through the linked benefits resource.

What This Job Offers

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