Voorheesville, NY Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern Corp. • Town of Halfmoon, NY

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Norfolk Southern is hiring a Train Conductor in Voorheesville, New York. Conductors are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. Work includes building trains by coupling railcars, delivering railcars to customers, transporting trains over long distances, and completing electronic documentation and inspections. Conductors are trained to troubleshoot train issues, report incidents, and follow safety procedures. No prior railroad experience is required; training is provided.

This is a seniority-based position. New hires begin on the extra board, filling in as needed, until they have sufficient seniority to bid on a regular assignment. Employees must be available on call 24/7, potentially with 90 minutes’ notice, and should expect to spend 2–3 days away from home each week. Employees must join a union within 60 days after completing training.

On-the-job training lasts approximately 20 weeks and may take longer depending on the assigned location. Training includes classroom instruction, field training, and on-the-job experience. The first five weeks take place at the Norfolk Southern Training Center in McDonough, Georgia; the company provides hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement from the hire location. Remaining training takes place at the assigned location. Successful completion of classroom, field, and on-the-job requirements—including written exams and field evaluations on physical characteristics, operating rules, safety, hazardous materials, and signal rules—is required for promotion and certification.

The role is safety-sensitive and involves working around heavy, moving locomotive engines. Work is outdoors in all weather and involves irregular schedules, including on-call work, nights, weekends, and holidays. Conductors must remain constantly alert and meet the stated physical and FRA medical requirements.

Trainees earn a minimum of $240 per shift during on-the-job training, with overtime at $30 per hour. First-year conductors average $70,000 annually, and experienced conductors average $84,000. A $10,000 retention bonus is listed as effective x/x/2026, with installments tied to training completion and subsequent service milestones. Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents begins in the second calendar month of employment. After one year, employees become eligible for dental and life insurance and a 401(k). The position is also covered by Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes. Vacation eligibility increases with years of service, from two weeks after two years to five weeks after 23 years.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.
• Must be able to report to work within 90 minutes and be available on call 24/7.
• Must have a clean driving record for the past 36 months, without a suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of a driver’s license resulting from a drug- or alcohol-related incident.
• Must not have been involved in diversion or probation, or pleaded guilty to a drug- or alcohol-related driving incident.
• Must not have refused a drug or alcohol test related to operating a motor vehicle.
• Must pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration drug and alcohol screening.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must successfully complete classroom, field, and on-the-job training requirements, including written exams and field evaluations.
• Must join a union within 60 days after completing training.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 85 pounds.
• Must pass the required physical standards, including hanging from a railcar ladder with three points of contact for 1 minute 15 seconds per side.
• Must be able to walk several miles per shift over uneven terrain.
• Must meet FRA medical requirements, including vision, color vision, and hearing standards.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Experience with heavy equipment or in physically demanding roles.
• Experience working non-traditional shifts, on call, and/or shifts of 12 or more hours.

Responsibilities

• Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment to ensure safe operation.
• Operate remote control locomotives.
• Couple railcars, align drawbars, apply hand brakes, and ride railcars.
• Communicate effectively with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers.
• Maintain accurate documentation and comply with Federal Railroad Administration and company safety regulations.
• Troubleshoot train issues and report incidents.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• $10,000 retention bonus, paid in installments tied to training completion and service milestones; listed as effective x/x/2026.
• Hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement during the first five weeks of training.
• Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents beginning in the second calendar month of employment.
• Dental insurance eligibility after one year.
• Life insurance eligibility after one year.
• 401(k) eligibility after one year.
• Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes.
• Vacation eligibility that increases with years of service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed