Sheffield, AL Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern Corp. • Muscle Shoals, AL

81d • Onsite

About The Position

Norfolk Southern is hiring a Train Conductor in Sheffield, Alabama, to support the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. Conductors build trains by coupling railcars, deliver railcars to customers, transport trains over long distances, and handle electronic documentation and inspections. They are trained to troubleshoot train issues, report incidents, and follow safety procedures. No prior railroad experience is required.

This is a seniority-based position. New conductors 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 24/7, potentially with 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 about 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 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 outdoor work in all weather, irregular schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays, and working around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines. It is safety-sensitive and requires constant alertness. Conductors must meet specified physical and FRA medical standards, including lifting and carrying up to 85 pounds, walking on uneven terrain, and meeting visual acuity, color vision, and hearing 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, while experienced conductors average $84,000. A $5,000 retention bonus is effective July 1, 2026, paid in installments upon completion of on-the-job training, six months after completion, and 12 months after completion. Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents begins in the second calendar month of employment. Dental insurance, life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility begin after one year. The position is covered by Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes. Vacation eligibility increases with service, from two weeks after two years to five weeks after 23 years.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older.
• 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 U.S.
• Must be available for on-call work 24/7, including work 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.
• Must be able 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.
• Must be able 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, pass FRA color vision tests, and meet hearing standards (hearing aids may be used).

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 for 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 all FRA and company safety regulations.
• Troubleshoot train issues and report incidents.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

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.
• Retention bonus of $5,000, effective July 1, 2026, paid in installments.
• Vacation eligibility based on years of service, reaching up to five weeks after 23 years.

What This Job Offers

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