Asheville, NC Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern Corp. • Asheville, NC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Train Conductors at Norfolk Southern are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. The work includes building trains by coupling railcars, delivering railcars to customers, transporting trains over long distances, and managing electronic documentation and inspections. Conductors are trained to troubleshoot train issues, report incidents, and follow safety procedures. No prior railroad experience is required.

This is a seniority-based position. Employees begin on the extra board, filling in where needed, until they have enough seniority to bid on a regular assignment. The role requires availability for on-call work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, sometimes with as little as 90 minutes' notice, and typically involves spending two to three days away from home each week. Employees must join a union within 60 days after completing training.

On-the-job training lasts about 20 weeks and may take longer depending on the complexity of the assigned location. Training includes classroom instruction, field training, and on-the-job experience. The first five weeks are at Norfolk Southern's Training Center in McDonough, Georgia; the company provides hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement from the hire location during this period. Remaining training takes place at the assigned location. To complete the program and earn promotion and certification, trainees must pass classroom, field, and on-the-job requirements, including written exams and field evaluations covering physical characteristics, operating rules, safety, hazardous materials, and signal rules.

The position involves working outdoors in all weather conditions on irregular schedules, including on-call work, nights, weekends, and holidays. It is safety-sensitive and requires constant alertness around heavy, moving, and potentially hazardous locomotive engines.

Conductor 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 $5,000 retention bonus is effective July 1, 2026, paid in installments upon completion of training and at six and 12 months after training. Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents begins in the second calendar month of employment. After one year, employees are eligible for dental insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k). The role is covered by Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes. Vacation eligibility ranges from two weeks after two years of service to five weeks after 23 years.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must hold a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation.
• Must be able to report to work within 90 minutes.
• Must have a clean driving record for the past 36 months, with no 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 be available for on-call work 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and with as little as 90 minutes' notice.
• Must join a union within 60 days after completing training.
• Must pass classroom, field, and on-the-job training requirements, including written exams and field evaluations.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 85 pounds.
• Must pass physical standards that may include hanging from a railcar ladder with three points of contact for 1 minute and 15 seconds per side.
• Ability to walk up to several miles per shift on uneven terrain.
• Must meet FRA medical requirements, including visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together, with or without corrective lenses.
• Must pass specified FRA color vision tests; lenses used to improve color vision are not permitted.
• Must meet the hearing standard of no more than 40 dB average hearing loss at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in the better ear; this may be met with a hearing aid.
• Must maintain constant alertness in a safety-sensitive environment around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Experience with heavy equipment or in physically demanding roles.
• Experience working non-traditional shifts, on call, and/or 12-hour or longer shifts.

Responsibilities

• Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment to ensure safe operation.
• Operate remote control locomotives and perform tasks such as coupling, aligning drawbars, applying hand brakes, and riding railcars.
• Communicate effectively with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers.
• Maintain accurate documentation and comply with Federal Railroad Administration and company safety regulations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Move freight safely and efficiently, including delivering railcars to customers and transporting trains over long distances.
• Troubleshoot train issues and report incidents.

Benefits

• Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents beginning 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.
• $5,000 retention bonus, effective July 1, 2026: $1,000 upon completion of on-the-job training, $1,500 six months after training, and $2,500 12 months after training.
• Hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement during the first five weeks of training.
• Vacation eligibility: two weeks after two or more years of service, three weeks after six or more years, four weeks after 15 or more years, and five weeks after 23 years.

What This Job Offers

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