Norfolk, VA Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern Corp. • Norfolk, VA

61d • Onsite

About The Position

Norfolk Southern is hiring a Train Conductor in Norfolk, Virginia, 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 manage electronic documentation and inspections. The role includes troubleshooting train issues, reporting incidents, and following safety procedures. No prior railroad experience is required; training is provided.

This is a seniority-based role. 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, sometimes with as little as 90 minutes’ notice, and should expect to spend two to three days away from home weekly. Union membership is required within 60 days after completing training.

On-the-job training lasts approximately 20 weeks and may take longer depending on 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. Successful completion of classroom, field, and on-the-job requirements, including written exams and field evaluations, is required for promotion and certification.

The position involves outdoor work in all weather conditions, irregular schedules, nights, weekends, and holidays. It is safety-sensitive and requires constant alertness around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines. Conductors must meet the listed physical 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, while 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.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.
• Ability to report to work within 90 minutes.
• Clean driving record in the past 36 months, without any suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of the 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 to undergo 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 U.S.
• 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 classroom, field, and on-the-job training requirements, including written exams and field evaluations.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 85 pounds.
• Ability to hang from a railcar ladder with three points of contact (two feet and one hand) for 1 minute 15 seconds per side.
• Ability to walk up to several miles per shift on uneven terrain.
• Must meet FRA visual acuity requirements: 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 FRA hearing requirements: no hearing loss greater than 40 dB average at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 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-plus 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 FRA and company safety regulations.
• Troubleshoot train issues, report incidents, and follow safety procedures.
• 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: $1,000 upon completion of on-the-job training, $1,500 six months after training completion, and $2,500 twelve months after training completion.
• Vacation eligibility: two weeks after two or more years of service; three weeks after six or more years; four weeks after fifteen or more years; and five weeks after twenty-three years.

What This Job Offers

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