Toledo, OH Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern Corp. • Maumee, OH

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Norfolk Southern is hiring a Train Conductor in Toledo, Ohio, to help move freight trains safely and efficiently. Conductors build trains by coupling railcars, deliver railcars to customers, transport trains over long distances, and manage electronic documentation and inspections. They 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. Employees start 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 24/7, sometimes with as little as 90 minutes’ notice, and typically involves spending 2–3 days away from home each week. Employees must join a union within 60 days after completing training.

Training lasts approximately 20 weeks, and may take longer depending on the complexity of the assigned location. It 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 is completed at the assigned location. Successful completion requires passing classroom, field, and on-the-job requirements, including written exams and field evaluations on physical characteristics, operating rules, safety, hazardous materials, and signal rules.

The position involves outdoor work in all weather, irregular schedules that may include nights, weekends, and holidays, and work around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines. It is safety-sensitive and requires constant alertness. Physical requirements include lifting and carrying up to 85 pounds, walking several miles per shift on uneven terrain, and passing a hang test that requires hanging from a railcar ladder with three points of contact for 1 minute and 15 seconds on each side. FRA medical standards include specified visual acuity, color vision, and hearing requirements.

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. Locomotive engineers earn a guaranteed minimum of $94,000, with potential to exceed $100,000. A $20,000 retention bonus is listed as effective November 2026, paid in installments after training completion and at 6, 12, and 18 months thereafter. Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents begins in the second calendar month of employment. After one year, employees become eligible for dental insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k). The position is also covered by Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes. Vacation eligibility increases with service: two weeks after two years, three weeks after six years, four weeks after fifteen years, and five weeks after twenty-three 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 in 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 be available for on-call work 24/7, including with as little as 90 minutes’ notice.
• Must join a union within 60 days after completing training.
• Must pass all classroom, field, and on-the-job training requirements, including written exams and field evaluations.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 85 pounds.
• Must pass a hang test: hang from a railcar ladder with three points of contact for 1 minute and 15 seconds per side.
• Must be able to walk up to several miles per shift on uneven terrain.
• Must meet FRA medical requirements for visual acuity, color vision, and hearing.

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-plus 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.
• Troubleshoot train issues, report incidents, and follow safety procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• $20,000 retention bonus, effective November 2026, paid in installments after training completion and at 6, 12, and 18 months after training.
• 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.
• 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