Chicago, IL Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern Corp. • Chicago, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Norfolk Southern is hiring a Train Conductor in Chicago, Illinois. Conductors support the safe and efficient movement of freight trains by building trains, delivering railcars to customers, transporting trains, and managing electronic documentation and inspections. The role also involves troubleshooting train issues, reporting incidents, and complying with safety procedures. No prior railroad experience is required; training is provided.

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. Employees must be available on call 24/7 with as little as 90 minutes’ notice and should expect to spend two to three days away from home each week. Union membership is required within 60 days after training is completed.

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 are at Norfolk Southern’s Training Center in McDonough, Georgia, where the company provides hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement from the hire location. The remaining training takes place at the assigned location. Successful completion requires passing 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 constant alertness around heavy, moving locomotive engines. It is safety-sensitive and includes physical tasks such as lifting and carrying up to 85 pounds, walking several miles per shift on uneven terrain, and meeting specified hanging, vision, hearing, and FRA medical standards.

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. The posting also describes a $5,000 retention bonus effective July 1, 2026, paid in installments tied to training completion and subsequent service milestones. 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. Employees are covered under Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes, and vacation eligibility increases with years of service.

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, without a license suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial 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 (FRA) drug and alcohol screening.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must complete and pass classroom, field, and on-the-job training requirements, including written exams and field evaluations.
• 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 be able to lift and carry up to 85 pounds.
• Must pass the hang test: hang from a railcar ladder with three points of contact (two feet and one hand) 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 eyes together, with or without corrective lenses.
• Must pass 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; 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 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 FRA and company safety regulations.
• Troubleshoot train issues and report incidents.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• $5,000 retention bonus, effective July 1, 2026, paid as $1,000 upon completion of on-the-job training, $1,500 six months after training completion, and $2,500 twelve months after training completion.
• 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 based on service: two weeks after two or more years, three weeks after six or more years, four weeks after fifteen or more years, and five weeks after twenty-three years.
• Hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement during the first five weeks of training in McDonough, Georgia.

What This Job Offers

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