Freight Conductor - Charlotte, NC

CSX • Charlotte, NC

2d • Onsite

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 involves following railroad and safety rules and regulations, inspecting rail equipment, communicating by radio and telephone, operating switches and locomotive equipment with 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 after successful completion. Trainees must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests to remain in the program. The position is based in the CSRA area, and employees must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered. Work may involve on-call assignments, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, varying shifts, outdoor conditions, and travel away from the home terminal.

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 instructions, including 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 safely to work within two hours of being notified.
• Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations.
• Pass required assessments, a drug test, medical exam, and background check; federal regulations also require random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Meet FRA color-vision and hearing requirements.
• Maintain the required 85% passing rate on training quizzes and tests.
• Be willing to work a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and varying shifts, including on-call work, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be able to travel and be away from the home terminal for 24 hours or longer if required.
• Meet the physical demands of mounting and dismounting moving equipment; stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, balancing, and climbing; working in confined or awkward places; riding outside rail equipment for extended periods; walking long distances over uneven terrain; and frequent lifting up to 80 pounds.
• Be able to demonstrate auditory and visual acuity, tracking, and inspection skills.
• Have verbal comprehension, communication, and reasoning skills, including problem-solving and troubleshooting.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location.
• Be willing to work under a collective bargaining agreement, which requires membership.

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.
• 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 all equipment on 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 excellent customer service.
• 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.

Benefits

• Retention bonuses after the first and second years of service, subject to applicable terms; the stated minimums are $3,000 after year one and $2,000 after year two.
• The CSRA bonus is deferred to a 401(k): $3,000 for the first year and $2,000 for the second year.
• Four weeks of paid training.
• Hotel room provided for the four-week Atlanta training period.
• $20 per day meal allowance during training.
• Roundtrip mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate between the hiring location and Atlanta, and for mileage between the training center and hotel.
• Guaranteed extra-board pay after on-the-job training, as stated in the posting.

What This Job Offers

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