Freight Conductor - Detroit, MI

CSX • Detroit, MI

7h • Onsite

About The Position

A Freight Conductor safely coordinates train crews on freight trains, places rail cars to support loading and unloading, and makes up or breaks down trains in rail yards, customer facilities, and similar locations. The role requires compliance with railroad safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration regulations, signals, and train orders. Conductors communicate with transportation personnel and customers, inspect rail equipment, operate switches and locomotive equipment using a remote-control device, and help ensure the safe and accurate movement of cars.

New hires attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Training includes classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. Trainees must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests to remain in the program. Successful completion is followed immediately by on-the-job training. The employer provides a hotel room for the four-week training period, a $20-per-day meal allowance, and reimbursement of specified mileage at the IRS rate.

The position requires living or being willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Work may involve nonstandard schedules, overtime, shift work, on-call assignments, nights, weekends, and holidays. Employees may need to report within two hours of notification and may be required to travel and remain away from their home terminal for 24 hours or longer. The role 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 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 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 FRA color-vision and hearing requirements and pass random drug and/or alcohol testing as required by federal regulations.
• Be able to mount and dismount moving equipment; stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, and climb; work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward spaces; ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods; walk long distances over uneven terrain; and lift up to 80 pounds frequently.
• Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity, tracking, and inspection ability.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.
• Be able to work a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and varying shifts, including on-call assignments, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be able to travel and be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer if required.
• Be able to maintain an 85% passing rate on training quizzes and tests.
• Accept that collective bargaining agreement coverage and membership are 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

• Comply 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 rail 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.
• 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.
• Advance to an engineer position when required, based on seniority.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses after the first and second years of service, subject to the applicable direct-hire agreement and potentially varying by work location.
• Paid four-week training.
• Hotel accommodation during training.
• $20 per day meal allowance during training.
• Mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate for travel between the hiring location and Atlanta, and 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